Happy New Year!! Here is a list of resolutions that you may wish to consider for 2012.

There are an estimated 486 invasive plant species in Canada, and weeds in crops and pastures alone cost approximately $2.2 billion annually.

- Invasive Alien Plants in Canada Summary Report by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (2008)

South Okanagan-Similkameen
Invasive Plant Society
8703 Palmer Place
Summerland, BC
V0H 1Z2
Phone: 250.404.0115 Email: sosips@shaw.ca

Welcome!

The South Okanagan-Similkameen Invasive Plant Society is an organization comprised of a local coordinator and board of volunteer members that represent different agencies, ministries, not-for-profit organizations and natural resource companies in the Okanagan-Similkameen. The society and its members are dedicated to working together to prevent, monitor and control the spread of invasive plants in our community.

Invasive plants are typically non-native plants that have been introduced to British Columbia without the insect predators and plant pathogens that help keep them in check in their native habitats. Without their natural enemies, these invaders are able to rapidly outcompete native plants, ornamental species and agricultural crops. The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands has classified some of the most harmful invasive plants as "noxious weeds". Many of these plants can displace native species and disrupt natural ecological processes.

“The overall goal of SOSIPS is to cooperatively control, contain and reduce invasive plants in the region, and to encourage knowledge and partnership for an integrated, effective invasive plant control program.”

Attend SOSIPS AGM  - Tuesday April 10, 2012. Guest speakers will discuss aquatic invasive species and research results on the hound`s-tongue beetle. Call 250-404-0115 or email sosips@shaw.ca for more details