The financial support from the Columbia Basin Trust (the Trust) has been integral to CKISS’ work to keep ecosystems healthy and economies thriving through education and effective invasive species management in the Central Kootenay region. The Trust is writing a new Columbia Basin Management Plan and is seeking community feedback to help shape this plan. … Read more
Your Winter 2023 edition of the CKISS’n Tell newsletter is now available by clicking here. What will you find in this issue of CKISS’nTell? CKISS is hiring Land Managers meeting Bullfrog virtual update Education programs to get involved with: Community Weed Pulls & STEMming with Invasives Youth Program RDCK Invasive Species Strategy Implementation Plan Field … Read more
Are you curious about invasive species in the Central Kootenay region? Do you want to help reduce the impact of invasive species on the ecosystems, communities, and economy of our region? If so, there are exciting opportunities for you to join the team at CKISS! We are currently looking for an Assistant Field Program Manager, … Read more
As 2022 comes to a close we are taking a moment to reflect on the year and the funders, partners, members, and volunteers who make CKISS’ accomplishments possible! Thank you for contributing to CKISS programs in 2022. Click on the dropdown menu below to see the 2022 CKISS Digital Photo Album: A snapshot of our supporters … Read more
Live decorations, like trees and wreaths, can introduce invasive species to a new area because they may have invasive species hiding in their branches, leaves, and needles. There is also a chance that you or a craftsperson used invasive plant materials in wreaths or flower arrangements. To reduce the chance of introducing invasive plants into … Read more
Your Holiday 2022 edition of the CKISS’n Tell newsletter is now available by clicking here. What will you find in this issue of CKISS’nTell? CKISS Year in Review : a digital photo album highlighting our programs and supporters Deck the halls with Invasive Free Décor. Learn how to be PlantWise this holiday season. What to … Read more
Homemade wreaths and centerpieces made from natural materials can be beautiful, but ensure that you use invasive-free materials. Some common invasive species traditionally used for holiday décor are English ivy and holly. Ivy in particular has become problematic on the West Coast of B.C., where the escaped garden ornamental has taken over natural spaces. Some people in our area have used … Read more
Lake monitoring continues to be a vital component of the B.C. Invasive Mussel Defence Program. Between mid-June and the end of October staff and contractors from the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society (CKISS) collected 265 samples from local lakes and rivers in order to detect the presence of invasive zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha … Read more
Common bugloss (Anchusa officinalis) has been spotted for the first time in the CKISS region. The invasive plant was discovered in the Yahk/Kitchener area and has since been treated. The adjacent areas have been surveyed to look for more infestations. The plant is known to have impacts on the agriculture industry since it can reduce crop yields. Common bugloss is … Read more
Your Fall 2022 edition of the CKISS’n Tell newsletter is now available by clicking here. What will you find in this issue of CKISS’nTell? Species Alert: help us spot new invasive plants in our region. Volunteer Opportunities: looking for help to plant native plants for wetland restoration project. Kootenay Riparian Plant Project highlights Field crew … Read more