What better way to get to know your neighbourhood and the natural world around you than to become a plant detective?
Turn your walks into exciting scavenger hunts and learn to identify invasive plants in your neighbourhood. Scroll down to find more information on our Invasive Species Scavenger Hunts!
LOOKING FOR OTHER FUN ACTIVITIES?
Protect your neighbourhood by participating in our Wildlife Warrior Bingo or planning a DIY Weed Pull!
We’ve put together a fun activity to help you learn about invasive species in your communities. Watch the video or scroll down for more information:
Since invasive species vary depending on what region of the Sea to Sky you’re in, please select the area closest to you:
Squamish
Before you begin the scavenger hunt:
Scroll down to learn more about each one.
Save the PDF version of this toolkit to your phone for when you head out!
Step 1: learn how to identify these invasive plants
Yellow Flag Iris
Japanese Knotweed
Scotch Broom (B.Brett)
Common Burdock
Mountain Bluet (Dave Steers)
English Ivy
Yellow Lamium
Canada Thistle
Common Periwinkle
Orange Hawkweed (David Steers)
Oxeye Daisy
Himalayan Blackberry (B. Johnson)
Scentless Chamomile
Himalayan Balsam
Step 2: gather your supplies
We recommend that you bring the following supplies on your Scavenger Hunt:
- Download the Scavenger Hunt Checklist
- A detective’s eye (you never know where invasives might be hiding in plain sight!)
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Phone (to reference invasive plant ID cards and take photos to report your findings)
- Phone or GPS (to mark the location of your findings)
Step 3: make a plan
Before you head out, consider the following:
- Who owns the land? Make sure you are on public land; always seek the landholder’s permission if you are on private property.
- Are you sure it’s an invasive plant? To confirm the plant is one of the above invasive species, try using the iNaturalist phone app, it can be very helpful!
- Will I be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines? Make sure you’ll be in a non-crowded area and will be able to maintain a safe distance from people outside of your household ‘bubble’.
Step 4: start searching!
You’re ready Plant Detective, time to head out for your first scavenger hunt – good luck!
Don’t forget to take pictures and report any findings at ssisc.ca/report.
Whistler
Planning your scavenger hunt is easy – just follow these steps:
Scroll down to learn more about each one.
Save the PDF version of this Scavenger Hunt Checklist to your phone for when you head out!
Step 1: learn how to identify these invasive plants
Yellow Flag Iris
Scotch Broom (B.Brett)
Common Burdock
Mountain Bluet (Dave Steers)
Yellow Lamium
Canada Thistle
Common Periwinkle
Orange Hawkweed (David Steers)
Oxeye Daisy
Common Tansy
Scentless Chamomile
Step 2: gather your supplies
We recommend that you bring the following supplies on your Scavenger Hunt:
- Download the Scavenger Hunt Checklist
- A detective’s eye (you never know where invasives might be hiding in plain sight!)
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Phone (to reference invasive plant ID cards and take photos to report your findings)
- Phone or GPS (to mark the location of your findings)
Step 3: make a plan
Before you head out, consider the following:
- Who owns the land? Make sure you are on public land; always seek the landholder’s permission if you are on private property.
- Are you sure it’s an invasive plant? To confirm the plant is one of the above invasive species, try using the iNaturalist phone app, it can be very helpful!
- Will I be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines? Make sure you’ll be in a non-crowded area and will be able to maintain a safe distance from people outside of your household ‘bubble’.
Step 4: start searching!
You’re ready Plant Detective, time to head out for your first scavenger hunt – good luck!
Don’t forget to take pictures and report any findings at ssisc.ca/report.
Pemberton
Planning your own scavenger hunt is easy – just follow these steps:
Scroll down to learn more about each one.
Save the PDF version of this Scavenger Hunt Checklist to your phone for when you head out!
Pemberton
Step 1: learn how to identify these invasive plants
Diffuse Knapweed
Common Tansy
Dalmatian Toadflax
Common Burdock
Mountain Bluet (Dave Steers)
Hoary Alyssum
Yellow Lamium
Canada Thistle
Common Periwinkle
Orange Hawkweed (David Steers)
Oxeye Daisy
Himalayan Blackberry (B. Johnson)
Scentless Chamomile
Himalayan Balsam
Step 2: gather your supplies
We recommend that you bring the following supplies on your Scavenger Hunt:
- Download the Scavenger Hunt Checklist
- A detective’s eye (you never know where invasives might be hiding in plain sight!)
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Phone (to reference invasive plant ID cards and take photos to report your findings)
- Phone or GPS (to mark the location of your findings)
Step 3: make a plan
Before you head out, consider the following:
- Who owns the land? Make sure you are on public land; always seek the landholder’s permission if you are on private property.
- Are you sure it’s an invasive plant? To confirm the plant is one of the above invasive species try using the iNaturalist phone app, it can be very helpful!
- Will I be able to adhere to social distancing guidelines? Make sure you’ll be in a non-crowded area and will be able to maintain a safe distance from people outside of your household ‘bubble’.
Step 4: start searching!
You’re ready Plant Detective, time to head out for your first scavenger hunt – good luck!
Don’t forget to take pictures and report any findings at ssisc.ca/report.
Links
- More activities: