Earn up to $30 per hour for protecting the environment. Free training and safety gear provided.
Residents and visitors in the Creston area have a unique opportunity to protect biodiversity and earn money at the same time. CKISS is excited to launch the Poison Hemlock Patrol, a world-first initiative that uses the mobile game Crowdsorsa to locate and remove one of the most toxic invasive plants in the world: poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).
What Is Crowdsorsa?
Crowdsorsa is a mobile app that turns environmental conservation into a real-life game. Starting in June 2025, players in the Creston area can earn cash by identifying and removing poison hemlock and submitting before-and-after videos through the app.
How to Join the Mission
- Download the Crowdsorsa app from Google Play or the Apple App Store
- Learn how to identify poison hemlock by reading the plant profile.
- Watch the safety training video and complete a short quiz
- Pick up your free protective gear, supplied by CKISS
- Locate and remove poison hemlock
- Upload your before-and-after videos in the app
- Get paid up to $30 per hour, with direct deposit to your bank account
Why Focus on Poison Hemlock?
Poison hemlock is extremely toxic when ingested to both humans and animals. Even a small amount can be fatal. This aggressive invasive plant threatens livestock, displaces native vegetation, increases land management costs, and reduces biodiversity.
Learn how to identify poison hemlock here.
WARNING: As Poison Hemlock is in the carrot family, several species could easily be confused with it. Use a plant ID app like iNaturalist to help you correctly ID poison hemlock.
Key Traits of Poison Hemlock
- Purple Blotches on Stem: One of the most distinctive features. Look for irregular purple or reddish blotches/streaks on smooth, hairless, green stems
- Hairless Plant: Entire plant is completely smooth. No hairs on the stem, leaves, or stalks (unlike many look-alikes).
Important Program Details
- Launch date: Early June 2025
- Game area: Creston, British Columbia
- Rewards pool: $1,800 CAD
- Earnings are based on patch size and density
- Mission will continue until all funds are claimed. You can track your progress within the app.
Safety Requirements
Poison hemlock is highly toxic. All participants must:
Watch a short safety training video
Pass a quiz before starting
Wear mandatory protective equipment including gloves, coveralls, and eye protection.
CKISS will provide this gear at no cost. Once you sign up for the Poison Hemlock Patrol mission and pass the quiz, we will let you know where you can pick up your protective equipment in Creston.
Ready to Join?
Download the Crowdsorsa app today on Android or iPhone and get started on your first mission.
Let’s protect Creston’s environment together. Game on!
The CKISS recognizes the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation for making a significant financial contribution to support the Poison Hemlock Patrol. Partnerships are key to conserving BC’s wildlife, fish, and their habitats.