Gardening has been identified as one of the main human pathways that cause the spread and introduction of invasive species. It may be beautiful in your garden but these plants have unique characteristics that allow them to outcompete native vegetation causing economic and environmental harm. Luckily we here at CKISS are ambassadors for the PlantWise … Read more
ALIENS AMONG US: A Book that will open your Children’s Eyes Looking for the perfect gift that will inspire the next generation of environmentalists? Kids can unwrap the book “Aliens Among Us” by Alex Van Tol under the tree this year and be alerted to what impacts invasive species have. There are over 4000 alien … Read more
CKISS would like to extend our gratitude to Raegan Mallinson who sat on our Board of Directors for the past year. Reagan is a true water ambassador and her passion for protecting our lake and rivers is contagious! Reagan will be stepping down from the Board in order to travel to Central America to take … Read more
If you live in the Central Kootenays you just received an early Christmas present; the results are in and 2015 was another win for CKISS’ aquatic invasive species (AIS) program. No zebra or quagga mussels (ZQM) were found in any of the Kootenay Lakes and Rivers surveyed during this year’s field season! What exactly is … Read more
Thor Smestad announced in September that he would be stepping down from our Board of Directors to head out on an adventure of a lifetime. Thor is jumping on his motorcycle and heading to South America to travel, learn and explore. We were lucky enough to have Thor for 2 years as an esteemed member … Read more
Forget Politicians raising your taxes…it could be a plant! Invasive knotweed has been accurately described as the plant that is eating BC. It can lower your property values by growing through foundations. Knotweed can increase your taxes by damaging road and sewer infrastructure. Environmental Impacts of invasive knotweeds: Degrade wildlife habitat, Reduce biodiversity causing extinction of … Read more
Who was up for the challenge? A group of Girl Guides were when they participated in the “Alien Invader Challenge” program that we hosted on September 25th in Rossland. A fun morning that introduced the girls to the damage that invasive can have and what they can do to make a difference. “We partnered with … Read more
We are thrilled to announce that Malcolm Fitz-Earle Ph.D joined the CKISS team. Malcolm, a Nelson Resident was nominated to the Board of Directors during our AGM on September 16th, lucky for us he accepted! “My interest in environmental issues and human population goes back more than 45 years. I have taught ecology, and invasive … Read more
The Salmo-Creson is a legendary mountain pass in the Kootenays. As travellers drop down from the top and head east the first billboard spotted is encouraging you to turn right and visit the Interpretive Centre for the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area (CVWMA). The beautiful marshland has been deemed a wetland of international importance, and … Read more