Are you spending a lot of time at home this summer? Is it difficult to find new, engaging activities around your community? Due to the current social restrictions, we have created fun activities that you and your family can enjoy while staying safe. Shake off that COVID boredom and become invasive plant detectives! 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!
Pssstttt! Did you know?
You can also help protect your neighborhood by planning your own 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 iNaturalist, GoogleLens, PlantSnap, and PlantNet phone apps, they 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 or using the form below:
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 iNaturalist, GoogleLens, PlantSnap, and PlantNet phone apps, they 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 or using the form below:
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
Dalmation 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 iNaturalist, GoogleLens, PlantSnap, and PlantNet phone apps, they 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 or using the form below: