About Us

Together we are making a difference!

In 2014 the PlantWise message was shared at 244 education and outreach events in 78 communities across BC. Approximately 5812 in-person PlantWise interactions were completed by ISCBC staff and PlantWise Ambassadors, resulting in 1410 verbal and 982 written commitments. An estimated 19,296 gardeners, youth, professionals, horticulture industry members and the general public were reached!

Why be concerned about invasive plants? 

Invasive plants are usually as beautiful and functional as non-invasive plants, making them hard to differentiate. They are recognized globally as the second greatest threat to biodiversity! Invasive plants have unique characteristics that other plants lack, allowing them to out-compete native vegetation and cause environmental and economic harm.

Benefits to Being PlantWise

Whether you’re an individual with a passion for gardening or an industry professional, we can all make a long lasting difference to prevent the introduction and spread of (ornamental) horticulturally invasive plants to BC communities. How? Be PlantWise when considering growing, selling, disposing, purchasing, trading, transporting or gifting plants, now that you know some of them are invasive! By being PlantWise, you can:

• Gain the knowledge to know what you grow and reap the benefits of a healthy, non-invasive garden
• Contribute to the protection of BC’s environment, society, economy and human/animal health
• Be a leader; take part in the growing movement among industry professionals and gardeners toward an ‘invasive-free’ BC
• Find gratification as a volunteer by sharing the PlantWise message locally – spread the word!

Background

April 2013 marked the official launch of the PlantWise Pilot Program with industry orientation sessions in Kelowna and Fraser Valley areas. These sessions were designed to orient individuals and businesses to the program, relay the impact of invasive plants to BC communities, provide a snapshot of the resources participants can expect, and gain input and feedback to refine these resources.

With plenty of support and positive feedback received from the original Pilot Program, PlantWise expanded to become province-wide in 2014. This involved building strategic partnerships with regional groups already engaged in invasive plant management and education/outreach actions across BC. In 2015, PlantWise has progressed further to embrace new partnership groups as well as emphasize the industry component. Partners range from regional invasive species committees, to gardening and stewardship groups.