Invasive Species Archives - Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

Council News

By Ainsley Mutrie | December 1, 2025

On Oct 2^nd, community members in Armstrong joined Dr. Catherine Tarasoff and the ISCBC Okanagan team to learn about invasive yellow flag iris. The workshop took place on Meighan Creek, where a small infestation of yellow flag iris threatened to spread downstream into the Armstrong Wetlands, a site of a significant community restoration project.

This small but engaged group learned about the characteristics, impacts, and management techniques of yellow flag iris. Yellow flag iris is an aquatic invasive plant that impacts wetlands, ponds, streams and other aquatic ecosystems. It can outcompete native plants and clog waterways, creating thick mats of roots and vegetation that prevent water flow. This affects water quality and ecosystem health by reducing photosynthesis and oxygen levels, increasing sedimentation, rerouting stream flow, and reducing biodiversity.

Gaining hands-on knowledge from Dr. Tarasoff on the characteristics, impacts, and management of the invasive yellow flag iris.

Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, a restoration leader and friend of the Council, has dedicated over 12 years of research to developing yellow flag iris management techniques, pioneering the benthic barrier method demonstrated and implemented at the workshop. Yellow flag iris spreads both by seeds, which float and disperse downstream, and by an extensive root system. Severing roots or digging up plants can spread fragments that can sprout new infestations, making mechanical removal difficult and often ineffective.

After years of trial and error, Dr. Tarasoff developed a smothering technique that uses a thick mat called a benthic barrier. When installed correctly, this barrier prevents sunlight and resources from reaching the plant, depleting its internal reserves and preventing the plant from returning after one or two years. This technique has been vital for managing yellow flag iris in sensitive ecosystems across the province. It has also shown promise for use on other difficult-to-control species, including reed canary grass and Japanese knotweed.

Working together to install a thick benthic barrier that will help prevent the spread of yellow flag iris in one or two years.

Participants put their new knowledge into action to protect Meighan Creek, its downstream waterways, and the species that call this creek home. After reviewing instructions, the group prepped the site by trimming irises and removing seedheads. They measured and cut lengths of barrier material, secured the pieces together, and carried them to the infestation sites. The mats were secured with pegs and weighted with rocks to help hold them in place.

The benthic barriers will remain in place for over a year to deplete the plants of resources. Under ideal conditions, the plants will not have enough stored energy to resprout next spring. Since this site is along a popular trail, signs were placed to inform visitors about the project and provide contact details should they notice any damage to the barriers. Volunteers will lift the barrier in fall 2026 to assess the results. If needed, barriers will remain for an additional year.

Hands-on experiences allow community members to learn about local invasive species.

The hands-on experience gained at this workshop increases local knowledge of invasive species and strengthens community capacity to take action in local ecosystems. The workshop demonstrated how community-led efforts can make a meaningful, lasting difference at the local level and set an example for future initiatives.

Thank you to Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, the City of Armstrong, and all our partners and volunteers! The day’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of proactive community members and organizations.

This project was funded by a grant from the Regional District of North Okanagan’s North Okanagan Conservation Fund. Thank you for supporting invasive species management in North Okanagan communities!

Ainsley is an Invasive Species Coordinator at ISCBC. You can reach Ainsley at amutrie@bcinvasives.ca

Council News

By Diane Watson | November 5, 2025

Bats are among the most vital yet misunderstood animals in British Columbia. As nighttime insect hunters, they play a quiet but powerful role in maintaining balance – a single brown bat can devour thousands of mosquitoes or crop pests in a night. Despite this ecological importance, many bat populations across North America are declining due to human-driven pressures. Habitat loss, disease, and climate change are well-known causes. Another danger is emerging invasive species that disrupt, entangle, or infect bats where they live and feed.

Bats reproduce slowly, typically giving birth to just a single pup each year. This low reproductive rate means their populations recover slowly after losses. Most species in B.C. feed exclusively on insects, roosting by day in trees, cliffs, caves, or old buildings before emerging at dusk. They are highly sensitive to disturbances, especially during hibernation or breeding. Because they depend on specific roosting and foraging habitats, they are particularly susceptible when those areas change.

While bats have evolved to survive natural predators and harsh climates, they’re poorly equipped to handle rapid ecological change. The arrival of invasive species, including plants, animals, and pathogens, has introduced new threats that many bats haven’t adapted to.

Common Burdock

Burdock, a hardy weed originally from Europe and Asia, has become a threat to bats across North America. It thrives in disturbed soils along roadsides, trails, and the edges of fields and waterbodies where bats often hunt for insects. They produce clusters of burrs with stiff, hooked bracts that latch onto passing animals to spread their seeds. Unfortunately, these same hooks can snag the thin, flexible skin of bat wings. Once caught, bats often struggle to free themselves and can die from exhaustion, starvation, or exposure. Because these incidents often occur out of sight, their full impact is unknown, but field reports suggest entanglement is not rare.

Managing burdock before it goes to seed is one of the best defenses. Removing plants by the root, cutting seed heads, and disposing of them safely prevents further spread. Avoiding dense stands of burr-forming weeds when installing bat boxes or creating habitat areas can also reduce accidental contact. The broader issue goes beyond one plant. Invasive vegetation can change bat foraging areas, reduce insect diversity, and create dense growth that limits the open spaces bats need to fly and feed.

A bat stuck in burdock found in the District of North Vancouver. Photo credit: S. Wise

White-Nose Syndrome

If burdock presents a mechanical hazard, a more devastating biological threat has been spreading across the continent for over a decade. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is caused by a cold-loving fungus, Pseudogymnoascus destructans, originating in Europe. The fungus invades the skin of hibernating bats, particularly their wings and muzzles, disrupting their metabolism and causing them to wake repeatedly during winter. Each arousal burns through crucial fat reserves, often leading to dehydration and starvation before spring arrives.

Since its discovery in New York State in 2006, the fungus has wiped out millions of bats across eastern North America, driving some species to near extinction. The pathogen has already been detected in nearby Washington State and poses a significant risk to bats in B.C. As of recent reports, the province remains free of confirmed cases. Scientists and wildlife agencies are closely monitoring the situation and using public reporting programs to detect early signs of infection.

White-nose syndrome spreads mainly through bat-to-bat contact but can also be carried by contaminated clothing or gear. Simple precautions, like cleaning and disinfecting boots, gloves, and caving or climbing equipment, can help slow the fungus’s spread. Because the pathogen came from overseas and has no natural controls here, it’s considered an invasive disease and one of the most significant wildlife diseases in modern North American history.

Bat with white-nose syndrome. Signs include white fuzz around a bats nose, ears, or wings. Photo credit: Pete Pattavina, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Bugwood.org

Cats

Some invasive pressures start close to home. Domestic cats, though beloved companions, are an introduced species that poses serious risks to native wildlife. Bats occasionally fall victim when they roost near homes or hunt insects under outdoor lights. Cats’ natural hunting instincts make them formidable predators, and even well-fed pets can injure or kill bats that venture too close to the ground.

Keeping cats indoors at night, using enclosed “catios,” or supervising outdoor time helps protect both bats and birds. This simple shift in pet care prevents unnecessary wildlife deaths while keeping cats safer from cars, disease, and predators.

Gardens

People who enjoy gardening can also play a positive role in bat conservation. Creating bat-friendly gardens, featuring native flowering plants that attract night-active insects, provides safe feeding zones and supports natural food webs. Native plants are adapted to local climates and insect species, while invasive ornamentals can outcompete them and reduce insect abundance. Gardeners can also install bat boxes, provide clean water sources, and keep bright lights to a minimum, as artificial illumination can deter nocturnal foraging. Make sure to check the ‘Grow Me Instead‘ guide to learn about native or non-invasive alternatives.

Little brown bat, an endangered species found in North America. Photo credit: Dr. William J. Weber.

Big Picture

Bats have been evolving for over 50 million years, yet many of their greatest threats have only emerged in the past few decades. Invasive species, whether a burr-covered weed, a microscopic fungus, or a household pet, represent new pressures in ecosystems already stressed by urbanization and climate change.

Protecting these nocturnal mammals isn’t just about saving one group of animals. It’s about safeguarding an important ecological service that benefits us all. Each action – removing a patch of burdock, cleaning hiking gear, or keeping a cat indoors – adds to a safer landscape for bats and the ecosystems that depend on them.

Diane is a Special Projects Coordinator at ISCBC with a background in forestry and ecological restoration. She is passionate about working collaboratively to protect natural ecosystems and empower communities to take action. Outside of work, Diane enjoys snowboarding, hiking, camping, and exploring nature with her rescue dog, Benita. You can reach Diane at dwatson@bcinvasives.ca

Invasive News

By Veronica Panama | July 31, 2025

Even though emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) was first confirmed in eastern Canada in 2002, its arrival in B.C. marked a critical and alarming move to the west. The shiny, metallic-green beetle was first confirmed in Vancouver, B.C. in May 2024 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

This first appearance in the province led to restrictions on the movement of true ash (Fraxinus spp.) material and other firewood around the affected location. Smaller than a penny, this tiny invasive beetle is native to East Asia and is infamous for its ability to harm ash tree populations quickly.

Like many other invasive species, emerald ash borer was likely introduced to Canada unknowingly by hitching a ride in firewood or wooden shipping pallets from overseas. Once here, the beetle can spread through the movement of wood products.

Tracking the Spread

On July 7, 2025, the CFIA announced the expansion of emerald ash borer regulated areas to help slow the spread of this invasive insect to include the cities of Surrey and New Westminster, following the detection of infested trees in the Surrey region. This marks the third expansion of the regulated zones in B.C., which now include:

City of Vancouver
City of Burnaby
University of British Columbia Campus
University Endowment Lands
City of Surrey
City of New Westminster

While emerald ash borer has not been detected in New Westminster, its proximity to known infestations puts the city at greater risk. Immediate responses, such as expanding regulated zones, restricting wood movement, or removing infested trees, can slow or stop the spread.

Why this Tiny Beetle is a Big Deal

Ash trees are key components of B.C.’s urban and riparian habitats. In natural areas, they reduce erosion, stabilize riverbanks, maintain water quality and temperature, and contribute to overall forest health. In cities, they can increase property values, regulate temperature, absorb air pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife.

The potential loss of ash trees due to emerald ash borer in B.C. could cost billions in tree removals and replacements, while reducing biodiversity and making ecosystems more vulnerable to invasive species.

*Emerald ash borer S-shaped larval tunnels under tree bark. Credit: Matt Muir, iNaturalist*

Help Spot and Report Emerald Ash Borer

Early detection and rapid response are among the most powerful tools for preventing the spread of invasive species like emerald ash borer, and you can help!

Spotting the beetle early greatly improves control efforts. Here are the signs to look for:

Thinning tree crown or sudden leaf drop
Bark splits and unusual woodpecker activity, as they love to eat the larvae
D-shaped exit holes (3 to 4 mm wide) left by emerging adults
S-shaped larval tunnels (referred to as galleries) under the bark

If you suspect emerald ash borer damage, report your findings using one of the following methods:

ISCBC Reporting Page
Mobile apps like iNaturalist or Report Invasives
Submit a report to CFIA

When reporting, submit clear photos, a precise location (if possible), and a description of your findings.

Buy Local Burn Local

Within these regulated zones, wood products, particularly ash, including logs, firewood, branches, and woodchips, cannot be moved in or out without CFIA’s authorization.

Transporting firewood from one region to another can contribute to the spread of invasive species. Even if the wood looks healthy, it could hide tiny eggs or larvae beneath the bark.

To help prevent the spread of emerald ash borer, buy local firewood and burn it completely. “A single action can save thousands of trees” says Gail Wallin, ISCBC’s executive director. “Whether it’s by following Buy Local Burn Local or reporting a sighting, people can really help stop the spread.”

Veronica is an Invasive Species Coordinator at ISCBC. She values working in an inclusive and diverse environment that allows her to connect with people across Canada to discuss conservation initiatives, social resilience, and restoration topics. In her spare time, Veronica enjoys spending time in the forest, identifying species she encounters or at the beach with a book in her hand. You can reach Veronica at vpanama@bcinvasives.ca

Community Voice

December 10th, 2022

With all the good that comes with the December holiday season, it is important not to forget the harm of invasive species to our sensitive ecosystems. English ivy (Hedera helix) and English holly (Ilex aquifolium) are both species you may find adorning many a festive wreath this time of year.

While these plants may be pretty, they both have the potential to seriously harm local ecosystems, especially in developed or previously disturbed areas. Once either of these species become established in an area, they are extremely hard to eradicate and have the potential to spread both quickly and widely through the dispersal of their berries and seeds. They harm ecosystems by outcompeting native vegetation- even our great trees are not safe from being smothered.

English ivy (*Hedera helix*) overtaking a tree | Credit: J Leekie

The holiday season happens to be when one might find an abundance of festive decorations, so it is important to properly dispose of your ornamentals when the time comes. Bag up the plants separate from anything else, being careful not to allow any seeds or berries to escape, and take them to the appropriate landfill. Be sure to inform staff that you have invasive species to drop off.

If making your own decorations this holiday season consider using native species such as Oregon grape (Berberis nervosa), or Red elderberry (Sambucus racemose subsp. pubens). These are just two examples of native species that are so similar in appearance they are often mistaken for one another.

Oregon grape (*Berberis nervosa*) | Credit: Matthew Syvenky

Red elderberry (*Sambucus racemose subsp. pubens*) | Credit: D. Powell, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

PlantWise is a provincial program that supports the horticulture industry’s transition to become invasive-free. To learn which plants are invasive, alternatives to grow instead, and which retailers are committing to be PlantWise, visit https://bcinvasives.ca/play-your-part/plantwise/.

About the Author

Matthew Nettle was a dedicated ISCBC volunteer and member of the UVic Ecological Restoration Club. He contributed to invasive species management in a number of ways, including undertaking on-the-ground invasive species removal and writing articles to spread awareness, like this one!

Become a Youth Volunteer!

Join like-minded young adults to plan and carry out real-world activities. Support our goal to support healthy habitats and communities, keeping them free of invasive species. Learn more about becoming a youth volunteer!

Community Voice

October 29th, 2022

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you experience the nature around you?

My passions and interests are all related to plants in some way or another. I am a plant tender and concocter, which includes gardening, seed saving, and restoration; and fermenting, medicine making, and natural dyes.

I completed a diploma of Phytotherapy (Western Herbal Medicine) at Pacific Rim College in 2019. I specifically love to work with native plant species because they are local, accessible, and are special. That relates to invasive species in the sense that I deeply want to preserve the native (plant) species and grow them to prevent straining the local populations if harvesting. Shortly after graduating, I began working at a food security non-profit and joined as an ISCBC youth volunteer. This plant path has led me to have had the opportunity to work with ISCBC for almost a year now.

What do you like about volunteering and what inspired you to take action?

The flexibility in volunteering has been a big draw for me. The youth volunteer program is accessible, which has made it possible to attend both virtual and in-person events whenever I get the chance to. I joined as a volunteer in July 2019 because invasive species have always been an interest of mine and they affect so much of the other interests I have related to plants and the environment.

What would you say to a potential volunteer?

It is a fantastic volunteer opportunity if you have a passion or a curiosity to learn about invasive species and want to take local action. The combination of knowledgeable staff, resources, and networking opportunities provide a great hub for getting involved in accessible ways (virtually or in-person).

If you could choose to have one invasive species eradicated forever, which would it be and why?

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) because it was the first invasive species I learned about. I grew up in the Cowichan region and specifically remember my dad teaching me about how invasive Scotch broom was over 20 years ago. That opened my eyes to it at an early age and has kept the spread on my radar ever since, which has been devastating to experience.

Become a Youth Volunteer!

Invasive News

By Steven Hayward, Callie Bouchard & Ksenia Kolodka | June 22nd, 2022

The protection of endangered species is critical to restoring biodiversity, especially in places where there is an infestation of invasive species. Our Stronger BC Action Teams have been hard at work removing various invasive species around the province and, along the way, they have found some interesting endangered native plants.

The Nanaimo Action Team and Campbell River Action Team met up at Oyster Bay Shoreline Park, a coastal meadow near Campbell River from May 3-5, 2022 to remove Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius), Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and Purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum). These species have negatively impacted the biodiversity of the park by displacing native plants.

Oyster Bay Shoreline Park is a recovered logging camp marked with sensitive ecosystem signs, as the endangered flower Deltoid balsamroot (Balsamorhiza deltoidei) was translocated here to help recover and replenish the species. Based on their conservation status rank, each species and ecosystem is assigned to the red, blue or yellow list to help set conservation priorities and provide a simplified view of their status. Deltoid balsamroot is an S2 provincially imperiled species that is red-listed, which means it is at high risk of being endangered or lost in the near future. Its current distribution is limited to populations scattered throughout Victoria, Cowichan and Campbell River.

This park is also home to Coastal triquetrella (Triquetrella californica) moss. This is an S1S2 provincially critically imperiled species that is also red-listed. This species’ current distribution in BC is known only in two populations; Campbell River and Galiano Island. It was found on the sandy backshores of Oyster Bay Shoreline Park and had Purple deadnettle encroaching on it, which our Action Teams removed along with Scotch broom and Himalayan blackberry.

In total, the teams removed just under 25 bags of Scotch broom, Himalayan blackberry, and Purple deadnettle.

The result of hard work by our Nanaimo and Campbell River Action Teams!

Across BC, Canada and the world, invasive species pose the second greatest threat to biodiversity after habitat loss. Experience with our Stronger BC Action Teams gives people looking for work in this province skills in invasive species management, setting them up for success in the environmental protection field. The hard work of our Action Teams is greatly appreciated! Check out our website later this summer to read more accomplishments of our Action Teams.

Ksenia is a Community Science Coordinator with ISCBC. She is passionate about nature conservation and taking film photos of the beautiful natural landscapes of BC. You can reach Ksenia at operations.coord@bcinvasives.ca.

Steven Hayward is an Action Team Supervisor for ISCBC working on the ground to remove, manage, and prevent the spread of invasive species on Vancouver Island.

Invasive News

By Ksenia Kolodka & Katie Swinwood | June 9th, 2022

“Working with community scientists gives us a chance to interact with people with a wide variety of perspectives and broaden the reach and scope of our research to places that we wouldn’t normally be able to work.”

Paul Abram, Research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada

Introduction

During fall time, you may have seen these shield-shaped bugs around your doorways or windows trying to find a warm place to settle down for the winter. If you accidentally step on them, you may notice they emit an awful odour. These are stink bugs – some are native, but some, like the Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) are invasive.

Invasive Brown marmorated stink bug | Credit: L. Buss

Native stink bug look-alikes | Credit: Gov. of B.C.

What is the Brown marmorated stink bug?

The Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an invasive agricultural pest that can be found in BC’s Lower Mainland, Okanagan Valley, Columbia-Shuswap region, and Vancouver Island. BMSBs can be identified from other native stink bugs by their shield shape, white bands on their last two antenna segments, and white markings on their abdomen. Female bugs can lay up to 400 eggs during the summer on host plants. There can be up to two generations of bugs in a year if the weather is warm enough. The bugs mature in about five weeks, and then lay eggs the following spring. BMSBs spread by “hitchhiking” on vehicles, cargo containers, wood, and packing material. They can also be found on or in buildings and other protected areas over the winter.

Impacts of BMSB

The BMSB has a broad diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, seeds, green plants, and tree bark. They are especially a concern for orchard farmers, as BMSBs inject enzymes into fruits and vegetables that cause them to rot. Symptoms of a BMSB infestation include: deformed and discoloured fruits and seeds, shriveled berries and seeds, delayed maturity, increased sap flow and discoloured tree bark.

Project details

The Brown marmorated stink bug is controlled in its home region of Asia by the Samurai wasp (Trissolcus japonicus). While this parasitic wasp favors the invasive brown marmorated stink bug, it may also attack stink bugs native to British Columbia. The Samurai wasp was recently discovered in British Columbia and has the potential to be an effective biocontrol method for the Brown marmorated stink bug. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food and scientists at Agri-Food Canada are looking for volunteers to collect the eggs of Brown marmorated stink bugs and other native stink bug species from June to the end of August, 2022.

Brown marmorated stink bug eggs | Credit: Gary Bernon, USDA, bugwood.org

Impact of the project

Collecting the eggs will help determine whether Samurai wasps have parasitized stink bug eggs in British Columbia and if so, where this has occurred. Paul Abram, a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada states that “Working with community scientists gives us a chance to interact with people with a wide variety of perspectives and broaden the reach and scope of our research to places that we wouldn’t normally be able to work. We often learn things about our study systems that we otherwise never would by interacting with people about their insect finds.”

Reporting info

The best places to look for egg masses are on the undersides of leaves of trees and shrubs that have small developing fruits or seeds, like maple trees, dogwoods and raspberries. However, stink bugs lay on a variety of different plant species. The total size of an egg cluster will be no larger than a dime. If you spot a stink bug around, it can be a sign that you will find eggs. If you find an egg mass, take a photo of it, put it in a small sealed container, and submit the photo and any other information here: https://forms.gov.bc.ca/industry/report-brown-marmorated-stink-bug. If what you found is confirmed to be a BMSB egg mass, then you will be contacted with instructions to send the sample to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

For more information about the project:

Coastal BC:

Paul.abram@agr.gc.ca

Tracy.Hueppelsheuser@gov.bc.ca

Interior BC:

Susanna.acheampong@gov.bc.ca

For more information about the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug:

See our BMSB fact sheet here

Katie is the Outreach Coordinator at ISCBC. She is grateful to live, work and play in Nelson on the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt and Syilx peoples. In her spare time, you can find her adventuring in the woods with her dog. You can reach Katie at sci.facilitator.nelson@bcinvasives.ca.

Council News

By Ksenia Kolodka | June 3rd, 2022

Since the start of May, our Stronger BC Action Teams have been in the field managing and removing invasive species in nine BC communities including Campbell River, Nanaimo, Surrey, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Quesnel, Nelson, and Cranbrook. What they do in a day makes a measurable difference on the ground. It takes a special person to oversee each project, guide the field team, lead on safety, and inspire this important work.

From completing paperwork behind-the-scenes, to managing a group of Action Team members, to pulling up sturdy bushes of Himalayan blackberry, our Action Team supervisors are more like superheroes.

One month into the 2022 field season, we caught up with a few of these key leaders, as they get into the weeds with their teams. If you’ve ever wondered what makes someone interested in working with invasive species or you’re curious about a memorable day in the field, Lindy Lin, Callie Bouchard, Torin Kelly and Briana Walter share some fascinating tales! Say hello to four of our fabulous 2022 Action Team supervisors!

What made you interested in working with invasive species?

Lindy: When I was still in Selkirk College Recreation, Fish and Wildlife program last summer, I wanted to work in a position that would make a positive change to our natural environment, so I worked as a Nelson Action Team member last summer and felt really fulfilled after the work term.

Callie: I became interested in invasive species through all the time I spend in the outdoors and gradually watching more invasive plants take over more space than the native plants I grew up enjoying, so keeping things under control as much as I can and keeping BCs biodiversity strong has become more and more important to me over the last few years.

Torin: In school when we learned about invasive species impact on BC’s biodiversity, it really kick-started my interest with invasive species (plants & animals). I also figured it would be my active contribution to helping slow the effects of climate change in BC.

Briana: I have been interested in working with the environment for a long time. Working with invasive species is one way we can help protect BCs natural biodiversity and I want for play a part! My background is marine biology, so I am especially interested in the management of the European green crab, as well as the different Invasive fish species that are around.

What has been your most memorable site so far?

Lindy: A Scotch broom site in a small community in Glade, BC, about 20 minutes north of Castlegar.. Our team in 2021 removed a patch of Scotch broom on MOTI (Ministry of Transportation and Industry) right of way. Then we returned to the site to monitor and reapply manual treatment a week ago, when only small plants and shoots were visible. The treatment success and visible difference from the 2021 mass manual treatment was very satisfying. The residents in the area remembered us and were very thankful for our efforts because the site was adjacent to their agricultural property.

Callie: Most memorable site so far is a Retention Pond that will soon be a Park. It’s home to many ducks and this spring has brought many sweet ducklings that have been a joy to watch grow.

Torin: Beautiful Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park. We surveyed the trails and campground and found nothing but beautiful views and some very confident Canada jays who were hungry for my grapes. It was also a great time to learn about my teams’ different interests in the natural world.

Briana: The Surrey action team has had a lot of really great sites. The most memorable so far this year is Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver. We were involved in mapping and treating large and small bunches of Holly, laurel, and blackberry. It gave us a great sense of our purpose in an ecological restoration area, gaining mapping experience and knowing our work was making a difference. It was super memorable too because we got caught in an absolute downpour. When we finished work, everyone was dripping! This was great as we worked really hard during the downpour, and it really showed how amazing everyone’s work ethic is.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue environmental work?

Lindy: If you have the desire to help the environment, no matter how big or how little, just follow your passion, because the rewards you receive from mother nature are more than you can imagine.

Callie: Volunteer! Find the things that you are passionate about and do what you can to get involved. Read books and articles and become knowledgeable about what you want to pursue before you go to Uni if that is your decision. The more real-world experience and networking you do, the more you will succeed

Torin: Volunteer with a local non-profit, whether they are focused on invasive species, salmon habitat, or species at risk. All non-profits are looking for passionate volunteers, to bring their experience and knowledge. It is a great way to get amazing work experience without paying for school. I finished my Bachelors of Science in ecological restoration, but still find I get more out of the two-day volunteer workshops that many non-profits put on around fish sampling, plant surveying, bird counts, and so much more.

Briana: My advice for someone who wants to work in the environmental field is to get field experience and choose to study something you’re interested in. The field experience helps tremendously because you will gain a range of different skills that will apply to many of the jobs you’re seeking. Choosing something you love to study is important too, as there are so many different programs out there, and many of them will land you a job in the environment field, not just an environmental science degree.

What is your favourite song or podcast to listen to while completing field work?

Lindy: We don’t often listen to music or podcasts because our work sites are usually where the wildlife like to hang out, so we need to pay attention to our surroundings, and each other. Besides, we have nature to listen to, that’s our best choice of music or podcasts.

Callie: I love to listen to either audio books or podcasts. Ologies is a great podcast as you learn something new every time. For audio books it’s a great time to catch up on books I want to read or this month’s book club pick!

Torin: Podcast: Ologies, song: Things I Thought Were Mine – Alfie Templeman

Briana: I have two. Ologies is a great podcast as it goes over a bunch of different science topics for each episode. I also love this podcast will kill you. It’s all about different health issues that humans have faced and all the facts about it. I find it super fascinating!

Invasive News

By Ksenia Kolodka | May 09, 2022

May is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM) and that means we need YOU to take action! It’s easy to do your part, here are the 5 easiest ways to help protect BC’s biodiversity this month:

1 – Become a Community Scientist! Sign up for “Community Science Connections” and we’ll send you a monthly newsletter with the latest in invasive species news and great ways to get involved in your community. Sign up here.

2 – Learn something new in 30 minutes! We have a whole catalogue of FREE online e-courses. These online lessons are designed to teach anyone and everyone about invasive species prevention and management. Check out our two most recent additions – learn about European green crab an opportunistic invasive crab that’s taking over BC’s coasts and our course for anglers – an informative course for fishing enthusiasts on how they can be responsible as they get their latest catch.

3 – Donate! From as little as $10 a month you can help us make a big difference in protecting our natural spaces and BC’s biodiversity! Donate here.

4 – Observe and Report! Download the iNaturalist app and join the “I Spy and Identify” project. Log your observations of animals, plants, insects and other living things when you’re out exploring nature, share with fellow naturalists, and discuss your findings! You could observe a new species in your area – whether it be native or invasive, all observations are a great contribution to community science!

5 – Enter to Win! Take part in our What’s in Your Backyard (WIMBY0 photo contest by sharing photos of the invasive species you find in your community on Instagram or Twitter using #WIMBY2022, or enter via the website here! You could win $500 toward your favourite local outdoors store!

Matthew Syvenky submitted this photo of European rabbits to the #WIMBY2022 contest!

Invasive News

By Janelle Bode | Edited by Jana Rolland | May 09, 2022

We’re not the only ones looking forward to the return of warm spring weather- Northern giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) may soon be poking their heads out to enjoy the sunshine, too. This invasive insect is the largest species of hornet in the world and brings with it many potential negative impacts to native North American flora and fauna.

Northern giant hornets typically nest in underground cavities or tree stumps and feast on insects and honeybees. As new queens emerge from their winter hideouts to search for spring nesting opportunities, they’ll be hungry for carbs like tree sap and may even try to feed from hummingbird feeders.

Beekeepers in the commercial pollinating industry are particularly concerned about the impacts Northern giant hornets may have on BC’s native pollinators, and what effects a growing population could have on our agriculture in the future. Keeping up with the hornet’s activity through the spring and preventing its establishment in the province is critical to protecting the health and wellbeing of our native ecosystems.

Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) nest. Credit: WSDA

Northern giant hornet History in BC

First detected in Nanaimo in 2019, Northern giant hornets are believed to have arrived on container ships. This first nest was quickly destroyed, and Vancouver Island and the surrounding Gulf Islands were declared free of this invasive insect. But the situation on the mainland turned out differently when, that same year, a single hornet was collected in White Rock, BC and then in late 2019 one was found in Blaine, Washington. Since then, both sides of the Canada-US border have been scoured, and a small number of specimens found in the area between 2019 and 2021.

Luckily for our native pollinators, DNA sequencing studies of these hornets revealed that the nests were closely genetically related. Provincial Apiculturalist for BC, Paul van Westendorp, has set and monitored hornet traps in this region for years. He calls this finding significant: “Close relatedness limits the hornet’s future viability to establish a viable pest population.”

ISCBC is planning to work with Paul to set and monitor traps again in 2022 to continue monitoring the status of the Northern giant hornet in the BC-Washington border region.

Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia) nest removal, 2021

What You Can Do

We need your observations! The best way to keep tabs on these insects is through visual surveys and reports. We are asking that community scientists assist in our monitoring efforts and be on the lookout for Northern giant hornet queens. If you have a hummingbird feeder keep both an ear and an eye out this spring!

Dr Nick Wong, ISCBC’s Senior Lead, Science, describes the insect’s unique features that make it easy to recognize: “While on the lookout for Northern giant hornets, look for a large orange head with prominent black eyes and large jaws. Queens can be up to 4-5 cm in length with a black and orange striped abdomen. The thorax (where the legs and wings attach) is dark brown or black, and the wings are tinted dark brown.”

Northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)

Please report any sightings through the Report Invasives App or the ISCBC website. Include a photo if possible!

Our native pollinators will thank you.

report invasives

Janelle is a Research & Science Coordinator with ISCBC. She is passionate about ecological restoration and sharing information with others about invasive species. You can reach Janelle at research1@bcinvasives.ca.