From Katie Reid, Executive Director 

Each year, EKISC presents the Golden Shovel Award to recognize outstanding efforts to manage invasive species or raise awareness of their impacts. This year, we’re doing something a little different - we’re recognizing an entire community: the citizens of Kimberley!

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It started with a post on a community Facebook page expressing concern about blueweed. That concern quickly turned into action. Neighbours got involved, rolled up their sleeves, and got pulling. Before long, truckloads of pulled and bagged blueweed were heading to the transfer station!

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That response shows what can happen when people care about their community and see a way to help. One person pulling weeds might feel like a small contribution, but those efforts add up when a whole community gets involved.

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Managing invasive species takes ongoing work, and community action is an important part of that effort. By learning to identify invasive plants, reporting infestations, and helping prevent their spread, we can all make a difference.

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To the citizens of Kimberley: thank you for turning concern into action, for caring for the natural areas around you, and for helping protect biodiversity in the East Kootenay.

We’re delighted to award you this year’s Golden Shovel. Congratulations!