Invasive Species Council of BC (ISCBC)

Pretty, but invasive! Mountain bluet is loved for its bright blue blooms, but outside the garden it can spread and compete with native plants. 🌱 Instead, grow Bluehead gilia! A native wildflower that offers a similar splash of colour while supporting local pollinators. A similar look doesn’t always mean a similar impact. Be PlantWise! (link in bio) #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

Some of our favourite places start to change long before people notice. The trails we walk. The lakes we paddle. The forests, wetlands, and quiet places that help us feel connected to nature. Right now, people across B.C. are helping bring this landscape back to life, one piece at a time. Every $25 donation reveals another section of the image and supports hands-on invasive species prevention, restoration, and rapid response work across the province. 26 of 64 pieces have already been revealed 🌿 Help uncover the next piece through the donation link in our bio #BCNonprofit #nonprofit #BC

Do you recognize these escape artists? 🌿 English ivy, purple loosestrife, and Japanese knotweed may have started in the garden, but they didn't stay put for long. Many invasives are experts at breaking out of backyards and into forests, wetlands, and waterways, where they spread quickly! And here's the tricky part: their escape route can even happen during removal. Dumping invasives in compost or yard waste can help them spread even farther. To stop the spread, always dispose of invasive plant material in the garbage. 🌱 Dispose with care (link in bio) #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

THANK YOU VERNON! Community, curiosity, and conservation came together at McKergow Meadows 🌿 Student research projects lined the park, turning every trail into a chance to learn, while community members rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on Scotch thistle weed pull. With more than 80 people taking part and nearly 20 kg of invasive weeds removed, the community showed up in a big way 💪 This incredible day was made possible through partnerships with Awaken Nature Education and the Grasslands Conservation Council of BC. A huge thank you to the District of Coldstream, Dr. Kim Fulton, and Rod Drennen for helping bring it all together! Photo credit: Ainsley Mutrie

Feed the bees high-quality food sources with your garden! 🐝 🌼 Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds rely on the plants we grow for food and shelter, but not all garden plants offer the same benefits. By choosing native and non-invasive plants, you can help create a healthier habitat that supports them while preventing the spread. Get your pollinator-friendly plant tips through the link in bio! #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

Meet the impostors hiding in plain sight! 😎 These invasives are often mistaken for native species, but their impacts are very different. 🔹Canada thistle sounds native to Canada, but it’s actually native to Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. 🔹Himalayan blackberry produces edible fruit, but it can crowd out native food sources like salmonberry and trailing blackberry. 🔹Garlic mustard was introduced for food and medicinal use, but it spreads quickly and releases chemicals that harm nearby native plants. Familiar doesn’t always mean harmless. Think you've spotted an impostor? Identify & report (link in bio) #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

What if stewarding nature started with something as simple as cleaning your boots, checking your gear, or buying local firewood? 🌿 This ISAM, we’re inviting people across B.C. to take the pledge to practice simple InvasiveWise actions that help prevent the spread of invasive species. By taking the pledge, you’ll join a growing community of people helping care for the trails, lakes, forests, and the places that connect us. Take the pledge today through the link in our bio #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

What if two plants that look almost identical could have completely different impacts? 🌿 Myrtle spurge is often planted for its unique look, but it can spread beyond gardens, crowding out native vegetation and reducing habitat for local wildlife. 🌱 Instead, grow Martin's spurge, a non-invasive alternative that offers the same bold texture without the risk of taking over natural habitats. Choosing the right plants supports beautiful gardens and healthy habitats. Looking for safer alternatives? Check the Play Your Part link in bio #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

Upcoming Aerial Spray for Spongy Moth in Delta An aerial treatment for spongy moth is planned for Monday, May 11, 2026, between dawn and 7:30 AM in parts of Delta. Why is this happening? Spongy moth is a non-native invasive insect that can cause widespread damage by stripping leaves from over 300 tree and shrub species. If it becomes established, it can impact neighbourhood trees, forests, farms, and natural areas. Right now, populations in B.C. are still small and localized. Treating early is what allows them to be eliminated before they spread. About the treatment The spray uses Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that is commonly used in agriculture, including organic farming. Btk only affects caterpillars when they eat it. It does not affect people, pets, birds, fish, or bees. It is approved by Health Canada for use over populated areas and breaks down naturally in sunlight, usually within about a week, and sooner if it rains. What to expect » Spraying happens early in the morning, ending by 7:30 am » Aircraft fly low and follow planned routes » Applications are brief and weather-dependent » A very small amount is applied over a wide area If you prefer to minimize exposure, you can stay indoors during application and for about an hour afterward, with windows and doors closed. Why is aerial spraying used? This method ensures the treatment reaches the tops of trees and all host plants evenly. It is the most effective way to treat large areas and prevent populations from establishing. Get details for your area Check spray timing, maps, and updates here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/managing-our-forest-resources/forest-health/forest-pests/spongy-moth/news Or from the link in our bio #DeltaBC

Your garden can be part of the solution 🌿🏡 This week for Invasive Species Action Month, we’re focusing on PlantWise actions that help support healthy, invasive-free spaces at home and in our communities. The plants we choose matter. Some invasive plants can spread beyond gardens and yards into forests, wetlands, and grasslands, where they can impact local ecosystems and wildlife. Simple actions you can take: ✔ Choose native or non-invasive plants ✔ Use PlantWise and Grow Me Instead resources when planning ✔ Remove and dispose of invasive plants responsibly Small choices in our gardens can have a big impact beyond the fence line. Follow along this week for practical tips, plant ideas, and simple ways to grow more PlantWise spaces. --- Votre jardin peut faire partie de la solution 🌿🏡 Cette semaine, dans le cadre du mois d’action espèces envahissantes, nous mettons l’accent sur des actions Jardinez intelligemment qui favorisent des espaces sains et exempts d’espèces envahissantes à la maison et dans nos communautés. Les plantes que nous choisissons sont importantes. Certaines plantes envahissantes peuvent s’échapper des jardins et des cours pour se propager dans les forêts, les milieux humides et les prairies, où elles peuvent nuire aux écosystèmes locaux et à la faune. Voici quelques gestes simples que vous pouvez poser : ✔ Choisissez des plantes indigènes ou non envahissantes ✔ Utilisez les ressources Jardinez intelligemment et Cultivez-moi à la place lors de la planification ✔ Retirez et éliminez les plantes envahissantes de façon responsable De petits choix dans nos jardins peuvent avoir un grand impact au-delà de la clôture. Suivez-nous cette semaine pour découvrir des conseils pratiques, des idées de plantes et des façons simples de créer des espaces plus respectueux de la biodiversité. #isam2026 #maee2026

What could happen if spongy moth became established in British Columbia? 🐛🌲 Join research scientist Gwylim Blackburn and invasive species coordinator Camille Morales for an in-depth look at this invasive insect and why early detection and response matter. Learn about the potential impacts to forests, farms, and urban trees, and how you can help prevent the spread in B.C. 👉 Register now through the link in bio to learn why early action is critical to keeping spongy moth from establishing in B.C. #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether

The lakes of the Cariboo are some of the greatest treasures in B.C., but invasive species can spread more easily than many people realize. 🚤 With so many opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, the Cariboo is a major hub for recreation on the water. The same boats and gear that help us enjoy time on the water can also spread invasive species between lakes. A few extra minutes to #CleanDrainDry your boats and gear can make a real difference. 💧 Every clean boat and piece of gear helps protect the lakes that bring us together. #ISAM2026 #DIYStopInvasivesTogether