Greetings!
In this summer update, check out a number of job opportunities. If you missed it, watch our our virtual Invasive Species Research Mini-Symposium recording. Be on the lookout for a variety of invasive species. As BC's lakes and rivers are popular summer destinations watch and share our new Clean Drain Dry videos. Read about our volunteer opportunities and what we're doing to help Japanese beetle eradication efforts in Vancouver.
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ISCBC is currently offering a range of employment opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference to BC’s outdoors. Click through to read about each of the following positions and apply today!
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Work experience opportunities in Williams Lake and Ashcroft |
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Do you know someone interested in gaining practical experience, certified training and communications skills which could lead to rewarding future employment? Invasive Species Team Crew Work Experience positions offer on-the-job work experience and skills training. Read more about the positions currently available in Williams Lake and Ashcroft.
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Watch the Invasive Species Research Mini-Symposium |
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Over 200 attendees joined us live online for the Invasive Species Research Mini-Symposium - a virtual half-day event featuring current and recent invasive species research. In the first session, Where Invasive Species Monitoring and Genetics Meet, hear keynote presentations from Dr. John Darling of the US Environmental Protection Agency and Dr. John Gaskin of the US Department of Agriculture’s Research Service. In session two, hear from three climate change and invasive species researchers from across the Pacific Northwest. The event concludes with a panel discussion. Read the agenda, speakers' bios and presentation abstracts, event highlights and watch the recording.
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Beware: Don't open unrequested packets of seeds |
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Reports are coming from Canada and the United States of unrequested packages of seeds turning up in the mail. Unknown seeds could be invasive plants and the packages could contain plant pests. Both can be harmful to Canada's ecosystems and agriculture. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) asks anyone who receives unsolicited packages of seeds not to open the package. Instead, contact your regional CFIA office immediately, keeping the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until a CFIA inspector provides further instructions.
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Report European green crab sightings to DFO |
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Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is asking the public to report any possible sightings of European green crab, one of the world’s top ten invasive species, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The European green crab is an aggressive and dominant predator with a voracious appetite for shellfish such as clams, mussels, oysters, smaller crabs and even small fish. Unless controlled, this new aquatic invasive species will have a significant impact on the biodiversity and habitat of Canada’s coastlines. Recent detections in Haida Gwaii have led to the call to the public to report suspected sightings to DFO including photo(s), location and the date of the sighting.
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Asian giant hornet reminder |
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A reminder that the BC Ministry of Agriculture has released a Pest Alert for the Asian giant hornet. Members of the public are asked to continue to be on the lookout this summer. Read additional information on how to identify the Asian giant hornet and report suspected sightings.
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Join us for Take Action Tuesdays on Facebook Live
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Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, join ISCBC on Facebook Live at 12:00 pm for Take Action Tuesday. Join members of ISCBC's team for the live broadcast focusing on a variety of topics related to protecting BC's healthy habitats. Past episodes include Japanese beetle, being PlantWise and more. Catch up on previous Take Action Tuesdays on Facebook and join us on Facebook live on August 25 at 12:00 pm PT!
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Are you under 30? Do you care about your local habitat? Did you know that invasive species are the second biggest threat to the natural diversity - and we can all make a difference? Your help is needed to protect BC from new and spreading invasive species. You can make a difference in your local community or chose to help provide virtual tools to help stop the spread of invasive species. Gain volunteer experience from your home or in your local area. As a volunteer, you will gain recognition that can help support new work or school opportunities, and access to personal development and training. While many of our projects take place in Greater Vancouver, Kamloops, and Williams Lake areas, we welcome youth from all across the province to volunteer with us. Read more and join up today.
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Japanese beetle outreach in Vancouver |
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ISCBC's Japanese beetle outreach for the 2020 beetle season has been continuing throughout the summer. Look out for ISCBC’s Japanese beetle ambassadors, Diane and Marley, who are working across Vancouver as part of ISCBC’s Japanese beetle education and outreach program which supports the eradication efforts. Read more about new awareness messaging in retailers and other tactics to help stop the spread.
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Clean Drain Dry video series |
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As summer temperatures rise in BC, many of us are heading to our province's beautiful lakes and rivers to have fun and cool off. Whether you are in a motorboat wake surfing, fishing or paddling on a SUP, remember to clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before you leave the shore. By practicing these simple, yet crucial steps, we can all help protect our favourite waterbodies from harmful aquatic invasive species.
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Call for Clean Drain Dry partners |
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ISCBC continues to partner with aquatic stewardship groups throughout the Province to pilot newly designed Clean Drain Dry (CDD) signs at waterfront locations. Through these partnerships, we promote and foster increased support and education for the prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, including invasive mussels, to BC. We welcome interested organizations to submit an application to be a partner in the pilot of CDD signage and additional resources. Read more.
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Watch more virtual events and videos |
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Plants Under Pressure online workshops
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ISCBC offered two free online plant pressing workshops in July. Watch the recordings in our webinar archive and explore how to create your own plant press. By preserving plants, we can help conserve plant biodiversity and expand our plant identification knowledge. |
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Biodiverse British Columbia with BC Girl Guides
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Girl Guides pledge to ‘protect our common environment’ as members of Girl Guides of Canada. ISCBC joined BC Girl Guides on Facebook Live on July 22 to talk about how to protect the biodiversity in your own community! Watch the recording and discover how to identify and report invasive species, and how to take action with your family this summer. |
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ISCBC has just launched a new series of short "how to" videos. Each video covers how to deal with either a species or activity in clear, simple steps. Watch and share our "how to" videos.
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Factsheet spotlight: Pesticides and bees
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ISCBC has a series of factsheets on invasive species and other topics. This recent factsheets reviews different types of pesticides, their use, and how to prevent harm to bees when using pesticides. Download the factsheet today.
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Help protect BC's healthy habitats - join ISCBC! |
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ISCBC's vision is healthy landscapes and communities free of invasive species. Join us today to ensure this vision becomes a reality. ISCBC relies on the support of dedicated and passionate members. Sign up as a member and you will also benefit from discounts on courses, events and more. Read more.
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Reminder: learning resources for educators and parents |
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Thanks for your ongoing support!
Gail Wallin
Executive Director | Invasive Species Council of BC
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