The Summit Lake Restoration Project is a shining example of how long-term, community-driven stewardship can bring real change to local ecosystems. Since 2017, Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) has been working to restore native plant communities at Summit Lake Provincial Park by removing invasive species and replanting native vegetation to support healthy, resilient habitat. … Read more
The Jubilee Wetland is a special pocket of nature nestled within Rossland. This unique site, home to a pre-existing wetland has been undergoing a transformation since 2015 as part of the rehabilitation of Jubilee Park. The goal is simple but powerful: to restore a healthy, functioning wetland that supports local wildlife, improves watershed health, and … Read more
The 2025 field season flew by this year in a flurry of mechanical treatments, plant inventories, and outreach events across the Central Kootenays. Though we’re sad to see our seasonal staff head back to school or move on to new adventures, we’re incredibly grateful for the energy, dedication, and smiles they brought to the job. … Read more
For the first time ever, private landowners can now receive direct financial assistance to remove Scotch broom from their property. This exciting new opportunity is part of the CKISS Broombuster Program in partnership with the Crowdsorsa app. Here’s how it works: Remove it yourself – Register your property in the Crowdsorsa app by emailing CKISS … Read more
The Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) is excited to announce that its successful BroomBusters Program has expanded to include the innovative Crowdsorsa mobile app, giving local residents a new way to take action against invasive Scotch broom while earning money. Anyone can download the Crowdsorsa app, head to Johnstone Road, and get paid for … Read more
We are thrilled to launch a brand-new way for you to take action against invasive Scotch broom and earn cash while doing it! Through our Broombuster Program, we’ve teamed up with the Crowdsorsa mobile app to reward community members who help us track this aggressive invasive plant. This mission is designed to make it easy—and … Read more
Community members can now earn cash rewards for simply reporting sightings of poison hemlock in the Creston area. A reporting feature has been added to the Crowdsorsa mobile app, making it easier than ever to track and control the spread of toxic poison hemlock. How It Works: Community members can now earn up to $4 … Read more
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 … Read more
Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Wait… is this plant invasive, or just a weed?” you’re not alone. At CKISS, we get this question all the time, and for good reason. The language used around plants, animals, and invasive species can be confusing. Terms like invasive, noxious, native, naturalized, weed, and pest are often used … Read more
Kootenay Lake is home to native freshwater mussels like Margaritifera falcata (Western Pearlshell) and Anodonta species (e.g., Western Ridgemussel). These mussels live buried in sand or mud and help filter water, cycle nutrients, and support aquatic life. But they’re at risk from invasive zebra and quagga mussels; tiny invaders that attach to hard surfaces, … Read more