June is Invasive Species Action Month
By Contributor
To get British Columbians active in preventing and stopping the spread of harmful invasive species in our province, the BC government has officially declared the entire month of June as Invasive Species Action Month.
Invasive species threaten BC’s environment, economy and society, including human health, but stopping invasive species is possible if we take action now to prevent, detect and manage invasive species.
“Stopping invasive species is possible if we change our behaviours and take action together,” says Gail Wallin, Executive Director of the Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC).
“Increased prevention, detection and improved management of invasive species can provide significant economic benefits to the province, businesses, industry, and citizens.”
To promote Invasive Species Action Month, a new website has been set up at www.bcinvasivesmonth.ca, and the public is encouraged to post to social media using the hashtag #ActionOnInvasivesBC.
British Columbians will find information about how to prevent and stop the spread of invasive species in their gardens, parks and forests, through sporting and camping activities, in lakes, rivers and oceans, and in their cities, towns and across the province.
There are links to events and activities being held by the Invasive Species Council of BC, regional invasive species committees, local governments and stewardship organizations across BC.
Many of the events during Invasive Species Week will allow citizens to participate in hands on and concrete actions, such as field days, weed pulls, native plant restoration sessions, garden tours, and meeting with invasive species groups at farmers markets around BC.
ISCBC is also offering webinars and new resources for educators and the public. A full calendar is available at www.bcinvasivesmonth.ca, where an invasive species will be profiled every workday during the month.
