Roasty toasty days won’t stop our Field Team from tackling invasive species. Join us for a day with the SSISC Field Team… and don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Morning Meetings & Puppy Tales
Nothing says Monday like a big meeting at our field office. The crew gathers to discuss the week’s itinerary and upcoming projects. It’s also a great time for some fun questions like, “Why does Erin’s puppy Frankie love ripping up cardboard boxes so much?” Stay tuned for the answer!
The best way to remove yellow flag iris is to get up close and dig out the roots. Not for the faint of heart!
Afternoon: Yellow Flag Iris Removal Begins
Mid-July marks the official start of our yellow flag iris removals. These yellow flowers, found along rivers, lakes, and ponds, are a top priority for SSISC because they block waterways, destroy delicate aquatic habitats, and disrupt water flow.
The best way to remove yellow flag iris is to get up close to it and dig up the masses of rhizomes using a sharp tool.
Gearing Up: PFDs, Waders, and Canoes
For our Field Team, this means gearing up with PFDs, waders, and canoes or sit-on-top kayaks. The team spent the week wading, canoeing, and kayaking around in search of yellow flag iris.
It goes without saying – removing heavy, soggy plants in the hot sun is hard work. Luckily, the Whistler Community Service Society provides a cool place for our team to relax between weed pulls, even supplying free drinks and snacks!
A big thank you to the Whistler Community Services Society for their hospitality. The misting tent and cooling station were definitely appreciated on hot days!
Mid-July marks the official start of our yellow flag iris removals.
These yellow flowers are found along rivers, lakes, and ponds.
Home Time: Clean, Drain Dry
Yellow flag iris spreads quickly, reproducing through root rhizomes and floating seeds. These can hitch a ride on aquatic equipment like boats, waders, and SUPs, spreading to new areas.
To prevent this, it’s crucial to clean our boats and gear daily using the Clean, Drain, Dry method:
Clean: Remove plants, animals, and mud from your watercraft, trailer, and gear.
Drain: Empty all water from your equipment, including buckets and bilges.
Dry: Ensure all parts of your watercraft, trailer, and gear are completely dry before your next trip.
Rocking It: Two Months Strong
Our team has been rocking invasive species removals for two months now. They worked through a soggy June and an extra warm July. With only seven weeks left of the core field season, be sure to follow along on our socials for more updates!
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