Youth Eco Stewards & Chapter Updates – Spring 2026

The weather is warming and our Youth Eco Stewards and Chapters are ramping up for the outdoor field seasin! Let’s look back at the work they’ve been engaged in!  

• Youth Eco Stewards

Our Chapters include:

• Alberta Invasive Species Council
• Invasive Species Council of BC
• Invasive Species Council of Manitoba
• New Brunswick Invasive Species Council
• Northwest Territories Council on Invasive Species, Pests and Pathogens
• Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council
• Ontario Invasive Plant Council
• Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council
• Saskatchewan Invasive Species Council
• Yukon Invasive Species Council

Youth Eco Stewards:

• Over the past three months, our Youth Eco-Stewards program has stayed connected through eight online webinars and several key in-person events. We had the opportunity to learn and network at the Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference and the Outdoor Learning Conference, while also hosting a hands-on Tree ID Workshop at Scales Nature Park with LakeheadU and Ontario Master Naturalist program. A special highlight was Festival Rhizome, a biodiversity and community celebration in Quebec.
• We are currently supporting eleven youth projects that are either underway or in the final planning stages. Our summer schedule is quickly filling up, a presentation on Bird Friendly Cities in partnership with Nature Canada on May 27th at 12pm EST. Throughout the season, our team leading an Environmental Technician Essentials Certificate Course, and youth across Canada head out on various field trips is just the beginning of our fun! Our journeys, ranging from canoe camping in Ontario and bird banding in the Prairies to experiential learning in the Yukon and Churchill, are designed to give our participants direct and meaningful growth experiences.
• To learn more, stay connected with YES through socials: Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook

Invasives Species Council of BC

• What Spongy Moth Could Mean for B.C. (May 21, 11:00 AM PT) – Join research scientist Gwylim Blackburn and ISCBC invasive species coordinator Camille Morales for an in-depth look at this invasive insect and why early detection and response matter. Learn about the potential impacts to forests, farms, and urban trees, and how you can help prevent the spread in B.C. 
• green living GATHERING (Bouchie Lake, B.C., May 23, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm PT) – ISCBC will have a booth and will be one of the featured presenters running an invasive plant management workshop from 1:00 to 1:45 pm. 
• Port Coquitlam Public Works Open House (Port Coquitlam, B.C., May 23, 12:00 am to 2:00 pm PT) – ISCBC will be at this family-friendly event with a booth on Japanese beetle.  
• Marsh Magic Festival (Williams Lake, B.C., May 31, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm PT) – Explore, learn and celebrate the unique and dynamic marsh at Scout Island. ISCBC will be there to share simple actions you can take to prevent the spread of invasive species. 
• With the updated edition of Grow Me Instead nearing completion, ISCBC is preparing for a summer launch and upcoming outreach with retailers through the new PlantWise Recognized Retailer Program in 2026 and 2027. Questions about the programs can be directed to Emma at enikkel@bcinvasives.ca. 
• ISCBC is partnering with APEX Resource Management Solutions Ltd. to assess the economic impacts of invasive species in British Columbia. Guided by a diverse advisory group, the project also includes Dr. Johannus Janmaat, Professor of Economics at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. The final report is expected in December 2026. 
• With support from Invasives Canada and other partners, ISCBC has released new resources to help prevent aquatic invasive species introductions through recreational fishing, aquariums, and water gardens. New outreach includes signage at popular fishing and recreation sites and a youth activity booklet being distributed to 30,000 youth and families through the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s Learn to Fish Program. ISCBC has also developed updated best management practices and training resources for aquarium and water garden retailers across the province. 
• ISCBC’s report on the impacts of invasive species on Indigenous cultural practices, first foods, and traditional medicines is nearing release. Led by Cody Thomas of Two Row Innovations, the project includes engagement with Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Guardians, and Land and Resources staff from Indigenous communities across B.C. to better understand how invasive species are affecting the lands and waters they steward. The report includes case studies focused on Nlaka’pamux and syilx territories, as well as the impacts of knotweeds and European green crab. Keep an eye out for the official release in the coming months. 
• The Province of British Columbia has officially proclaimed May as Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM), recognizing the importance of preventing the spread of invasive species through everyday actions. This year, people across B.C. are encouraged to take the ISAM pledge and commit to simple InvasiveWise actions that help steward the places that connect us. 
• ISCBC is also running a donation campaign where each contribution helps unlock pieces of a thriving landscape, symbolizing the collective impact of community action. Donations help power hands-on restoration, equip communities with resources, and support rapid response efforts where they’re needed most. 
• ISCBC has recently updated the Don’t Let it Loose eLearning course for pet owners and people working in the pet, aquarium, and water garden industries. The course explores the impacts of invasive pet and aquarium species, highlights best practices, and helps participants take action to prevent their spread. 

New Brunswick Invasive Species Council

• Events: Saint John Home Show – March 20–22, 2026 – NBISC info booth; Moncton Boat and Sportsman Show – April 10–11, 2026 – NBISC info booth with Clean Drain Dry messaging and DFO support; NBCC Landscape Horticulture Red Seal Presentation – April 14, 2026 – PlantWise presentation; HWA Land Manager Training – April 24, 2026 – Online training; HWA Youth Volunteer Training – April 30, 2026 – Online training; Harvey High School Aqua Science Presentation – May 8, 2026 – Invasive species presentation; Destination Nackawic – May 17, 2026 – NBISC decon unit and outreach support; EcoFest Magnetic Hill – May 23, 2026 – NBISC info booth; Fredericton Rotary Club – June 11, 2026 – PlantWise presentation; Garrison Night Market – June 23, 2026 – NBISC info booth
• NBISC Clean Drain Dry/decon season is underway, with early-season activities including Harvey Lake (May 2) and Destination Nackawic (May 17).
• NBISC is supporting aquatic invasive species prevention and zebra mussel-related monitoring planning for the 2026 field season.
• NBISC is continuing HWA/Buy Local Burn Local outreach and training for land managers and youth volunteers.
• NBISC is preparing for summer outreach and field activities connected to PlantWise, Don’t Let It Loose, and aquatic invasive species prevention.
• NBISC has been promoting Clean Drain Dry, PlantWise, Buy Local Burn Local, Don’t Let It Loose, and general invasive species awareness through spring events, presentations, and partner outreach.
• Recent outreach has included public information booths, school and community presentations, horticulture-sector engagement, and HWA-focused training.
• Upcoming outreach includes EcoFest Magnetic Hill, Fredericton Rotary Club, Garrison Night Market, and continued summer prevention messaging.
• New Resources: Dog Strangling Vine Beneficial Management Practice, Japanese Knotweed Beneficial Management Practice, CDD Steps at Home Brochure,  Eurasian Watermilfoil Fact Sheet, Curly Leaf Pondweed brochure (ENG and FR),
• New Hire: Nate Moore, Aquatic Coordinator , started March 30th
• CSJ Environmental Technician: Grayson Lister, started May 4th
• Funding: NBISC is preparing to deliver several 2026–2027 funded projects focused on aquatic invasive species prevention/monitoring, Clean Drain Dry outreach, PlantWise/terrestrial invasive plant outreach, Don’t Let It Loose, and HWA/Buy Local Burn Local education.
• Partners: NBISC is continuing coordination with DFO on decon/Clean Drain Dry activities, New Brunswick Alliance of Lake Associations on outreach support at Destination Nackawic, and NB Parks on potential outreach/training and monitoring alignment at Mount Carleton.
• Communications: NBISC has started a website refresh to improve navigation, reporting pathways, and access to invasive species resources such as BMPs and species ID cards.

   

Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council

• NSISC Aquatic Team is getting ready for the 2026 Field Season – 2026 eDNA Pilot Monitoring Program Partner training: May 14 eDNA Pilot Monitoring Program Partner and Stakeholder Online Training at 10:00 am / May 19 – eDNA Pilot Monitoring Program In-Person Partner and Stakeholder Training at Lochiel Lake Provincial Park (eDNA water sampling, benthic monitoring, AIS monitoring and management, Clean Drain Dry)
• 2026 Mobile Decon Unit Operations begin – The Clean Drain Dry Program continues this summer with the NSISC Mobile Decontamination Unit visiting lakes and parks across the province (Fishing Derbies, public boat launches etc – Schedule to be announced soon) NSISC is tentatively attending the Nackawic Derby in New Brunswick on May 18 to assist with Decon for 80 participating watercraft
• EDNA PMP 2026 – 10 Partners participating in eDNA water sample collection in new areas (Antigonish, Pictou, Cape Breton)
• Outreach events with NSISC tables:
• NSCC Sustainability Showcase – 2 Events at Ivany Campus and Institute of Technology (March 2026)
• May 9 NSISC will help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (Screening of film “Bird Country” with Nature Nova Scotia at NSCC Ivany Campus Time: 4:30/ May 23 NSISC will attend the Friends of First Lake Speckled Trout Release (Kinsmen First Lake Beach) – RAINDATE May 30 Time: 9:30 am/
• Resources Packages have been sent out to partners and stakeholders with new DLIL and CDD resources, posters and signage (includes other NGO’s, water stewardship groups, DLIL retail partners and aquarium stores)
• Presentations: April – NSCC Natural REsources and Environmental Technology 2nd Year students – NSISC Presentation. May – Municipality of East Hants Source Water Protection Committee – NSISC Aquatic Presentation.
• New Signage available for partners: Clean Drain Dry Marina signage, Clean Drain Dry Boatyard/Fishing Wharf Signage, Chain Pickerel/Smallmouth Bass ID and reporting signage, Red Swamp Crayfish/Marbled Crayfish – ID and reporting Posters
• Jillian Sullivan – 2026 Clean Leadership Intern
• 2026 CSJ placements – TBA Starting June 15 (Environmental TEchnician roles)

Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council

• PEI Wildlife Conservation Fund grant application was approved and work began to attempt control of Japanese Knotweed using Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid eDNA trapping program started again for the year. PEI Invasive Species Priority List draft updates completed. PEI Grow Me Instead Guide draft completed. Agricultural Research and Innovation Program Yellow Nutsedge project 2026 work planned and ready to execute. 
• Feb 18 – Clay presented to the Malpeque Women’s Institute, March 25 – Clay presented to the public in Tignish in partnership with Tignish Watershed Management Group, April 7 – Clay presented to the Tourism Industry Association of PEI, April 9 – Clay hosted a booth and the PEI Woodlot Owner’s Association AGM, May 11 – Clay Presented at the Mayflower Senior’s Club in Stratford.
• Intake of resumes for summer student interns complete, hiring by June.
• Feb 12- Webinar presentation for Winter River-Tracadie Bay Watershed Association on “Invasive Species Affecting Waterways”
• The last year of the AISPF is underway and the PEI Invasive Species Council has just received permits from the provincial government that allows for AIS rake toss surveys to be done in provincial ponds. The council has created an aquatic invasive species resource booklet aimed towards grade 7 to 9 teachers, providing them with curriculum specific projects and activities that bring invasive species awareness into the classroom. The council also just finalized the list of locations where eDNA sampling will be done this year for invasive fish. The testing should commence in a few weeks.
• Feb 4- AIS and terrestrial presentation on invasives with PEI beavers group (Chase and Jess). Feb 5- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Bloomfield Elementary School. Feb 18- Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Greenfield Elementary School. Feb 25- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Elliot River Elementary School. March 3- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at West Kent Elementary School. March 10- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Parkside Elementary School. March 24- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Somerset Consolidated School. April 23- Jess and Chase presented to students on aquatic invasive species at Montague Consolidated School. May 12- Jess and Chase will present to grade 5 students on aquatic invasive species at Englewood Consolidated School.
• The council created a Brown bullhead rackcard which will be distributed to retailers in the angling community.
• The council also created an aquatic invasive species resource booklet that is geared towards grade 4-6 educators- it includes projects and fun activities that bring AIS awareness into the classroom. Available on our website as a free resource.
• Chase spoke to CBC on the concerns of the Brown bullhead, a local invasive species.