GET INVOLVED.
BECOME A MEMBER
Interested? Concerned? Want to learn more about invasive species?
Consider becoming a member of the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council – a one time $25 membership fee makes you a friend for life!
There are no requirements to become a member. Members can be individuals, not-for-profits societies, businesses, government agencies, First Nations, industry, educational institutions and list goes on...
​
Members have voting privileges at EKISC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and receive periodic electronic updates as well as, invitations to field trips, conferences, and other special events. ​
​
Benefits of Becoming a Member
-
Connect and collaborate with other organizations working to protect East Kootenay’s ecosystems.
-
Gain eligibility to run for or elect representatives to EKISC’s Board of Directors at our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
-
Be the first to hear about new volunteer opportunities and community events.
-
Play an active role in safeguarding the Regional District of East Kootenay from invasive species.
-
Receive invitations to exclusive special events, webinars, and field tours.
-
Enjoy discounts on EKISC workshops, events, and courses, plus 15% off EKISC store purchases.
Member Rights
-
Eligibility to run for EKISC’s Board of Directors.
-
Voting privileges at the AGM.
-
Have your voice represented in EKISC’s initiatives.
Member Benefits
-
Early access to registration for EKISC workshops, events, and courses.
-
Exclusive access to EKISC Field Tours.
-
Discounts on EKISC workshops, events, and courses.
-
15% off all items in the EKISC store.
Membership Package
-
Limited-edition EKISC membership stickers (only available to members).
-
EKISC postcard.
-
Seasonal mailouts (e.g., What’s Blooming Right Now, Christmas cards, and more!).
-
A personalized welcome letter signed by EKISC Executive Director Katie and the current EKISC Chair.​
​
Becoming a member is a simple and impactful way to stay informed, get involved, and support invasive species management in our region!
VOLUNTEER WITH US
If you have an interest in what we do and would like to help shape the future of our organization, the East Kootenay Invasive Species Council always has room for volunteers! Much of our success can be traced back to the vision, skills, expertise, and commitment that volunteers have provided to the organization since it was formed in 2008.​
Benefits of volunteering with us include:
-
An invitation to our annual volunteer appreciation BBQ
-
Free courses on invasive plant management
-
Get to know people in your neighborhood
-
Take part in a great cause!
HOST A COMMUNITY WEED PULL
Organizing a weed pull is a great way to give back to your community. EKISC likes to make it fun and worth while too! Send us a message and tell us a little bit about your group and if you have any specific areas or dates that you'd like to pull at, let us know.
RENTABLE WEED PULL KITS!
What if EKISC isn't available the day we want to host a weed pull event?
Well - we have a RENTABLE WEED PULL KIT Program in place! ​
We have partnered with the Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program to create rentable weed pull kits for the East Kootenay Weed Warriors. This initiative aims to empower and engage community members in the battle against invasive species. The Rentable Weed Pull Kit provides individuals with the necessary tools and resources to effectively remove invasive plants and restore the native ecosystem.
​
The Rentable Weed Pull Kit is a comprehensive package available for rental, designed to equip residents with everything they need to combat invasive species effectively. The kit includes a range of essential items that make the weed removal process more accessible and efficient.
Hand Tools: The kit contains a selection of hand tools suitable for various weed removal tasks. These tools are specifically chosen to facilitate the extraction of invasive plants while minimizing damage to the surrounding environment.
Garbage Bags: Proper disposal of invasive plants is crucial to prevent their reestablishment. The Rentable Weed Pull Kit includes durable garbage bags to collect and dispose of the pulled weeds responsibly.
Gloves of All Sizes: To ensure personal safety and comfort during weed removal, the kit offers gloves in various sizes, including kid sizing! These gloves protect users from potential allergens and irritants that may be present in invasive plants.
ID Books and Information Cards: Recognizing the importance of education and awareness, the kit includes identification books and informative cards about invasive plants. These resources enable users to identify and differentiate between native and invasive species, empowering them to take targeted action against the invaders.
Grass Seed: The Rentable Weed Pull Kit goes beyond removing invasive plants—it also promotes the restoration of native vegetation. To aid in this process, the kit includes a grass seed for the East Kootenay area that can be used to reseed areas affected by invasive species removal.
Our Rentable Weed Pull Kit is a valuable resource for community members who wish to actively contribute to the control and eradication of invasive plants. With this comprehensive package of tools, information, and resources, individuals can effectively remove invasive species while helping restore and protect the region's natural environment. By working together, the community can make a significant difference in preserving the East Kootenay's unique ecosystems for generations to come.
COST: To ensure the availability of these valuable resources, EKISC requires a $40 deposit for each rentable weed pull kit. This deposit covers any potential damages or losses and ensures the sustainability of the program. Additionally, EKISC retains a $20 donation from the deposit to support their ongoing conservation initiatives.
KIT CONTENTS
The kit includes a variety of tools and resources to support effective and safe weed-pulling activities. It contains 20 flags, ideal for marking plants ahead of time—especially helpful for groups with kids—and a roll of flagging tape for designating plants and work areas. Garbage bags are included to ensure all invasive plant parts are collected and disposed of at a transfer station. A standard first aid kit is provided for addressing any minor cuts or scrapes during the event. To make long hours more comfortable, the kit includes two kneeling pads. For tackling larger or woody invasive species like burdock or baby’s breath, there’s a large lopper, along with two trowels, four hand shovels, five hand rakes, and one sharp hook knife (use with caution!). Additional tools include three hand clippers and five cat paw weeders. For participant safety and convenience, the kit also provides 15 sets of adult gloves and 10 sets of kids' gloves. Finally, to aid in identification, the kit includes two Alberta invasive plant ID books, two British Columbia invasive plant ID books, & 10 common invasive species detail cards.