The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is excited to announce a major expansion of its Poison Hemlock Patrol, powered by the Crowdsorsa mobile app. For the first time, private landowners can now add their property as a mission in the game, creating new opportunities to manage this highly toxic invasive plant.
“Until now, private landowners had limited options for getting help with poison hemlock,” says Laurie Frankcom, CKISS Education Program Coordinator. “This new feature in the Crowdsorsa app is a real breakthrough since it connects landowners with the community, provides financial incentives for removal, and makes it easier than ever to protect people, pets, and livestock.”
What is Crowdsorsa?
Crowdsorsa is a mobile app that turns conservation into a fun, rewarding game. Participants can earn money while helping protect local ecosystems. Since launching in the Central Kootenays in spring 2025, dozens of participants have joined the Poison Hemlock Patrol and cash rewards are still up for grabs.
Joining the mission is simple:
- Download the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
- Learn how to identify poison hemlock – Mature plants have thick, hollow, hairless stems with purple spots and streaks. Click here to learn more.
- Watch the safety video and pass the short quiz to unlock the mission.
- Pick up the free safety gear
- Locate and remove poison hemlock from your chosen site.
- Submit before-and-after videos in the app to claim your reward.
New: Private Land Missions
CKISS is now inviting landowners in Creston to add their property as a Private Land Mission:
- Remove it yourself – Register your property in the app and get paid for removing the poison hemlock.
- Recruit someone you know – Share your mission with a friend, family member, or neighbour so they can do the removal and get paid.
- Let others help – With your permission, CKISS can connect you with other registered participants who will coordinate removal and receive payment through the game.
Call to Action
Have poison hemlock on your private property? Email CKISS at info@ckiss.ca with your contact details and property address to set up your Private Land Mission today.
This is your chance to protect your land, your community, and your local environment—while earning rewards. Join the mission, it’s fun, easy, and rewarding!
The Community Poison Hemlock Eradication Plan is made possible with funding by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, and support from Columbia Basin Trust and the Province of B.C.
Crowdsorsa is an award-winning Finnish startup revolutionizing environmental action through gamification. The platform has been used across Europe and North America to control invasive species, monitor urban infrastructure, and map city accessibility. Crowdsorsa continues to innovate new ways for people to earn rewards while contributing to environmental health