Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM) is a province-wide campaign that happens every May. Led by the Invasive Species Council of B.C., ISAM raises awareness about invasive species and the simple, practical steps we can all take to stop their spread.
Each year, ISAM brings together individuals, communities, and organizations across B.C. through accessible, hopeful messages and meaningful actions. Invasive species affect ecosystems, economies, cultural practices, and everyday activities—but small changes make a big difference.
Why It Matters
Invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, the economy, and our way of life. They can harm ecosystems, decrease crop yields, degrade soil quality, disrupt cultural practices, and make it more difficult to enjoy nature safely.
Invasive species spread through everyday activities—such as gardening, hiking, transporting firewood, or moving boats between lakes. This also means that everyone has a role in preventing their spread.
That’s where ISAM comes in.
It’s about awareness but also action. ISAM equips people with the knowledge and tools to make small, informed decisions to steward what they cherish.
Together, we can:
- Keep forests, fields, and lakes healthy
- Support native species and pollinators
- Protect traditional harvesting and food systems
- Reduce future costs of control and restoration
This Year’s Theme: Small Actions, Big Impact
Everyday decisions matter.
That’s the message behind Small Actions, Big Impact, the theme for Invasive Species Action Month 2025.
From rinsing off your kayak to planting native species in your yard, the small things you do help stop the spread of invasive species. Across B.C., those simple actions add up—to healthier ecosystems, stronger food systems, and communities better equipped to protect what they love.
This year, we’re inviting everyone to take part—whether you live in a city, a small town, or spend weekends on the water or in the woods. Each week, we’ll focus on a different theme tied to real-life actions you can take to reduce the risk of invasive species spread.
Weekly Themes
Invasive Species Action Month runs through all of May, with each week focused on a different way invasive species spread—and what you can do to stop them.
We’ll start the month (May 1–2) with campaign highlights, helpful resources, and simple tips to get you ready. After that, each week will dive into a specific theme tied to real-life actions you can take—at home, in your community, or while enjoying nature.
Week 1: Food Security – Protecting Agriculture, First Foods, and Foraging
May 3–9, 2025
Invasive species threaten the foundations of our food systems—damaging crops, degrading soil, and displacing native plants important to Indigenous harvesting and cultural practices.
This week highlights how invasive species affect farming, traditional food systems, and ecosystems that support foraging. Whether you’re walking through a forest, working a field, or harvesting wild mushrooms or berries, small actions can help protect what we rely on.
What You Can Do
- Clean your boots before and after spending time in forests, fields, or natural areas
- Learn which invasive species threaten food sources in your area—both traditional and modern
- Support local growers and foragers using invasive-wise practices
Featured Webinar: TBD
Week 2: Healthy Gardens and Greenspaces – Planting for Biodiversity
May 10–16, 2025
Our gardens, yards, and community greenspaces have the power to support native ecosystems—or to spread invasive plants into nearby natural areas.
This week focuses on how thoughtful planting helps prevent the spread of invasive species while creating healthy habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Whether you grow food, flowers, or simply enjoy a bit of green, your planting choices matter.
What You Can Do
- Avoid planting invasive ornamentals or groundcovers
- Choose native or non-invasive alternatives using Grow Me Instead guides
- Share invasive-wise planting tips with your neighbours or local garden group
Featured Webinar
Week 3: Recreating Responsibly – Preventing the Spread on Trails and in Parks
May 17–23, 2025
Spending time in nature connects us to the land—but it also comes with responsibility. Seeds, spores, and soil can easily hitch a ride on our boots, pets, and gear, moving invasive species from one place to another without us even knowing.
This week highlights how small habits—before and after outdoor adventures—help protect forests, grasslands, and other natural spaces.
What You Can Do
- Clean boots, bikes, strollers, and pet paws before and after hitting the trails
- Stay on designated paths and avoid off-trail shortcuts
- Report invasive species when you spot them
Featured Webinar
Week 4: On the Water – Keeping Lakes, Rivers, and Wetlands Invasive-Free
May 24–31, 2025
Aquatic invasive species can spread easily between lakes, rivers, and wetlands—often by hitching a ride on boats, gear, and fishing equipment.
This week focuses on how small actions before and after enjoying the water help protect freshwater ecosystems. Whether you’re paddling, fishing, or towing a boat, you can help prevent the spread of harmful species that damage habitats, disrupt water systems, and threaten native wildlife.
What You Can Do
- Always Clean Drain Dry your boat and gear before entering a new waterbody
- Never release aquarium pets or plants into natural waterways
- Learn which aquatic invasive species are a concern in your region
Featured Webinar
ISAM 2025 Event Calendar
Explore upcoming webinars, workshops, and local events happening throughout Invasive Species Action Month.
The calendar includes both ISCBC-hosted events and activities from partners across British Columbia. From educational sessions to community cleanups, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Want to add your event to the calendar? Contact Craig at cstephani@bcinvasives.ca and we’ll help spread the word.
week 1
week 2
week 3
week 4
How to Participate
Whether you’re new to the topic or already involved in invasive species work, there’s a role for everyone in Invasive Species Action Month.
Here are three easy ways to join in:
1. Learn Something New
Sign up for a free webinar. Each week features a different topic—gardening, foraging, recreation, and more.
2. Take One Small Action
From cleaning your gear to planting native species, the little things you do make a big impact.
Examples include:
- Choose non-invasive plants for your garden
- Report invasive species when you see them
- Take a FREE course to learn more about invasive species
- Talk to a friend about what you’ve learned
3. Support the Movement
Your donation helps expand outreach, education, and on-the-ground action across the province.
Support the Campaign
One small action: become a $5/month donor.
Your monthly donation helps bring invasive species awareness to more people and communities across B.C. It supports educational toolkits, outreach materials, free webinars, and community events—real-world resources that lead to real impact.
If you’ve learned something today, or taken action this month, consider keeping the momentum going.
Spread the Word
Sharing what you learn is one of the easiest ways to support Invasive Species Action Month.
Tag and follow the Invasive Species Council of B.C. for updates, stories, and new actions throughout the month:
Instagram: @ISCBC
Facebook: Invasive Species Council of BC
Twitter/X: @ISCBC
Use the campaign hashtags to join the conversation:
#BCISAM2025 #SmallActionsBigImpact
Are you an organization looking to promote Invasive Species Action Month in your community or region?
Contact Craig at cstephani@bcinvasives.ca to receive the ISAM 2025 Partner Toolkit, filled with messaging tips, ideas, and customizable materials to help you get involved.
Take the First Step
You don’t need to do everything.
Just start with one small action.
Whether you’re planting something new, cleaning your boots, or learning about your local ecosystems—you’re already part of the solution.
Let this month be the beginning of how you show up for the places you love, all year long.
