Invasive species forum in Penticton offers educational opportunity to the public

PENTICTON – A local stewardship group is inviting the public to find out more about the region’s challenges with invasive species at a public forum tomorrow.

The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society is hosting the forum at Okanagan College in Penticton, April 26, as part of its 20th anniversary this year.

“Protecting our region from the threat of invasive species is a top priority,” says society chair Zoe Kirk. “We have focussed on invasive plants for two decades, but the scope of out efforts is expanding every year, to now included zebra and quagga mussels, European fire ants and the American bullfrog. We need the public’s engagement to address these biological invaders,” she adds.

Tuesday’s meeting will include keynote speaker Dan Fagerlie, Washington State University Professor Emeritus.

Fagerlie has a long history of educational outreach and building successful collaborations in invasive plant management.

The forum runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Okanagan College Lecture Theatre, 583 Duncan Ave. West.

For more information, see the society’s website.

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