Boundary Invasive Species Society

Boundary Invasive Species Society Follow on Instagram: boundary.invasives

Website: https://www.boundaryinvasives.com

The Boundary Invasive Species Society is a non profit that deals with invasive plants and species within the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary in British Columbia.

Giant hogweed is an invasive species in British Columbia. It is often found in damp areas, along roadsides, and in ditch...
06/04/2026

Giant hogweed is an invasive species in British Columbia. It is often found in damp areas, along roadsides, and in ditches. This plant can grow up to 5 metres tall and contains a highly toxic sap that can cause severe burns and blistering when it comes into contact with skin.
Cow parsnip is a native look-alike species that is often mistaken for giant hogweed. However, cow parsnip typically only grows between 1.5 and 2.5 metres tall and does not reach the towering height of giant hogweed. While cow parsnip also contains a sap that may cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight, its effects are generally much less severe than those caused by giant hogweed.
There are currently no known sites of giant hogweed in the Boundary area, although the species is found elsewhere in British Columbia. We often receive reports of suspected giant hogweed that turn out to be cow parsnip.
If you think you may have found giant hogweed and need help with identification, please contact the Boundary Invasive Species Society at 250-446-2232 or [email protected].

06/03/2026

How many did you get right? Let us know in the comments!!!

There has been some recent concern about hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) sightings in the Boundary.Here is a bri...
05/29/2026

There has been some recent concern about hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) sightings in the Boundary.

Here is a brief recap of the history of hound’s tongue in the Boundary:

Historically, hound’s tongue had been problematic for livestock owners in the Boundary due to its toxicity. Additionally, hound’s tongue has burr-like seeds, which readily clings to the fur of livestock causing physical damage, especially in the face area.
In 2005, the Creston Valley Beef Growers Association spearheaded a project to establish a species of biological control insect (Mogulones cruciger) in the southern part of the province to address the problem. Along with the support of the Southern Interior Stockmen’s Association, the Kettle River Stockman's Association, and the Grand Forks Stock Breeders Association, the BISS received and distributed insects on the ground and to ranchers. Between 2005 and 2010 over 15,000 insects were released throughout the Boundary. By 2010–2012, Boundary ranchers reported a huge reduction in hound’s tongue densities on the ground. The insects are known to only target hound’s tongue. They are experts at locating plants, dispersing up to 1km per year.
Today, we still see both hound’s tongue and the biological control insect throughout the Boundary, but in very limited amounts. To check for biological control insects on the plant, look for small holes on the leaves. The insects can decimate an infestation of plants in single season.

Check out these recent photos of the biocontrol insect and its effects on the leaves of hound’s tongue in the Christina Lake area.

We recently found a new patch of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in the Grand Forks area. This is significant because the...
05/28/2026

We recently found a new patch of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) in the Grand Forks area. This is significant because there are currently very few known infestations in the area.

We will be conducting follow-up investigations to help determine how this patch may have been introduced. In the meantime, we encourage residents and recreationists to keep an eye out for leafy spurge and report any suspected sightings. Early detection is key to preventing further spread of invasive species in our region.

Learn more at https://bcinvasives.ca/invasives/leafy-spurge/

Reach out to BISS with all your Leafy spurge questions!🌱

250-446-2232
[email protected]

Now that we’re well into spring, remember to Clean, Drain, Dry 🐟Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and ...
05/20/2026

Now that we’re well into spring, remember to Clean, Drain, Dry 🐟
Help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species and protect our waters during all your recreational activities this season.

Find more information athttps://bcinvasives.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Whirling-disease-Factsheet-WEB.pdf

05/12/2026

We know your besties can’t miss an adventure. But they might be bringing more than memories home

Hitchhikers like burdock seeds and other invasive species can easily cling to their fur.

Pack a pet brush and give them a quick brush before heading home. It helps stop invasives from spreading and keeps your pet comfortable.

Learn more about burdock: bcinvasives.ca/invasives/burdock/

Show us your furry adventure partner in the comments 🐾

May is Invasive Species Action Month, and the theme of week one is Protect Where You Play. With camping season approachi...
05/08/2026

May is Invasive Species Action Month, and the theme of week one is Protect Where You Play.

With camping season approaching, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how we can help protect the natural spaces we enjoy. One way you can do this is following Buy Local, Burn Local.

🔥 Don’t Move Firewood

Moving firewood might seem harmless, but it can spread invasive pests and diseases that threaten our forests, wildlife, and ecosystems. Tiny hitchhikers like insects and fungi can hide inside firewood and travel unnoticed from one area to another.

Invasive species such as the spongy moth and Asian long-horned beetle can damage and kill native trees, weaken forests, increase wildfire risk, and impact wildlife habitat. The loss of healthy forests also affects recreation, local industries, and the deep cultural connections many communities have with these landscapes.

This camping season, help stop the spread:
✅ Buy local firewood (ideally within 80 km of where you’ll burn it)
✅ Burn it where you buy it
✅ Choose heat-treated or certified firewood when possible
✅ Check firewood for signs of insects or damage
✅ Leave unused local wood behind for the next campers
❌ Never move firewood across regional or provincial borders

Our forests provide clean air, shade, wildlife habitat, and so much more . Let’s work together to protect them for future generations.

Check out Invasives Canada for more information https://www.invasivescanada.ca/invasive-species-action-month-isam/

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels are highly invasive aquatic species. Though there are no known infestations in BC, th...
11/27/2025

Invasive zebra and quagga mussels are highly invasive aquatic species. Though there are no known infestations in BC, there have been confirmed reports as close as the Snake River in Idaho. If these mussels were to make their way into BC, treatment and damage to infrastructure would cost the Province of BC millions of dollars, not to mention the severely detrimental ecological and social impacts.

Prevention is imperative and it is everyone’s responsibility. Practice to avoid spreading invasive mussels and other aquatic species to BC waters.

Boundary Invasives is doing its part too! As part of a program funded by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Province of BC, we conducted veliger sampling at two locations on the Kettle River throughout the summer. So far, the news is good: no invasive mussels! Let’s continue working together to keep our lakes, rivers, streams, and intake pipes mussel-free!

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation

The Boundary Invasives crew joined the Christina Lake Stewardship Society to survey Christina Lake yesterday. We were lo...
08/26/2025

The Boundary Invasives crew joined the Christina Lake Stewardship Society to survey Christina Lake yesterday. We were looking for priority invasive species such as Japanese, giant, and bohemian knotweed, and yellow flag iris on the shore. We did find several new sites, and were able to get more familiar with other invasive species present in the lake including Eurasian watermilfoil. Though it was a little hot after eight hours on the boat, it was a beautiful day to be out on the water!

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