In the workshop, Laurie Frankcom from the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS), Valerie Huff and Brenda Beckwith, botanists and members of the Kootenay Native Plant Society (KNPS), and Megan Read, District Aboriginal Education Teacher reviewed a variety of educational strategies, hands-on activities, and fieldwork planning tools to support students in learning about invasive and … Read more
The days are getting longer and signs of spring are starting to appear in the Kootenays. Before long it will have changed from ski season to gardening season. The horticulture industry has been recognized as a key pathway for invasive weeds introduction and spread. Introduced invasive garden ornamentals have unique characteristics that allow them to outcompete … Read more
The Good News….. It’s Here – the new Clean Drain Dry Mobile App It just keeps getting easier to do your part in protecting our waters from destructive aquatic invasive species! The new Clean Drain Dry (CDD) Mobile App uses unique campaign marketing materials and graphics to transport users to a video experience that informs … Read more
On the first day of Christmas CKISS gave to me……a watercraft pressure washer! This was the tune that the Canadian Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fisheries Commission (CCRIFC) was singing when the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) donated a pressure washer that will be used to help prevent an invasion of Zebra and Quagga Mussels in … Read more
It is estimated that in the eastern states and provinces over six–million bats have been killed by, an invasive fungus called white-nose syndrome (WNS). The fungus invades bats that are hibernating, causing the bats to wake up early, which in turn depletes their fat reserves, creates dehydration and eventually causes death. Sadly the first case was detected … Read more
Early Detection by eDNA Thanks to Research Coordinator Morgan Sternberg, CKISS is utilizing cutting-edge technology for early detection of American Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus) in the Creston area. Water samples are painstakingly gathered from water bodies considered to be at risk of Bullfrog invasion. The samples are then filtered and sent to a lab in Victoria for … Read more
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Invasive species are introduced plants, animals, and pathogens that reproduce at high rates and lack any natural predators or controls. As a result, invasive species can negatively impact ecosystems by out competing native … Read more
Give invasive species the brush off! Leaves changing colour, crisp air, the harvest moon; these are signs that autumn has arrived. This time of year is an ideal time to go enjoy the great outdoors and go for a hike. Go outside and play, however be sure you are not bringing any unwanted invasive species with … Read more
