Funder Feature – UNAC Green Spaces Program

It goes without saying, working at an environmental non-profit like SSISC would be virtually impossible if it wasn’t for the generosity of our funders. Today, we feature the United Nations Association of Canada Green Spaces Program, an innovative student youth initiative designed to provide talented and passionate young Canadians with exciting summer work opportunities in parks and other natural settings across Canada.

Summer student Esmee MacDonald shares her experience:

Working with the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council this summer has been very informative and rewarding. So far I’ve been involved in the manual removal of Scotch Broom, Yellow Flag Iris, and Spotted Knapweed (among other species). We have also been doing chemical treatments on Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed. As the summer progresses, our focus will be shifting towards invasive mussel sampling and species inventories. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with our wonderful Outreach Team to facilitate education about invasive species at local farmer’s markets. 

Jordan Motruk also shared his thoughts:

Thanks to the funding provided by UNAC Greenspaces I was able to be employed full time by the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC). The work SSISC does is essential to minimizing the threat of invasive species that impact the environment, economy and human health. This has also given me a valuable opportunity for professional development for future careers as I work towards completing my B.Sc. at Thompson Rivers University.

About author Claude-Anne Godbout-Gauthier

Clo is the Communications and Outreach Manager at SSISC, and has been writing about all things invasive since 2018. She holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Policy and Program Evaluation, and a college degree in Horticulture.
There's a special place in her heart for a good pun, knitting, and outdoor activities. She hails from Gatineau, Quebec.