Open to: All BCIA Registrants, and those with BCIA Guest Accounts. If you are bringing more than one guest, please contact admin@bcia.com to make arrangements.

Join the BCIA Okanagan Branch for an engaging field-based training session designed to strengthen your skills in invasive species identification and management. This hands-on workshop will provide practical tools and best management practices (BMPs) for preventing, identifying, and managing invasive species across a variety of landscapes and land-use sectors.

Through a combination of classroom discussion and field exercises, participants will learn how to confidently identify common invasive species found throughout the region while exploring prevention-focused strategies and sector-specific management approaches for agriculture, development, and ecological restoration. Real-world field assessments will allow participants to evaluate invasive species priorities, develop practical mitigation strategies, and better understand how compliance-driven BMPs can be integrated into everyday professional practice.

Whether you work in agriculture, environmental consulting, land management, or restoration, this training will provide valuable knowledge and practical experience that can be applied immediately in the field.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Confidently identify regional invasive plant species in the field.
• Apply best management practices (BMPs) to minimize impacts and prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Evaluate real-world field scenarios and develop practical mitigation strategies.
• Incorporate compliance-driven invasive species management practices into operational workflows.

Presenters

Hallie Barker, B.Sc., A.Ag.: Hallie is an Articling Agrologist with a Bachelor of Science in Earth & Environmental Sciences and four years of experience in invasive plant management. She began her career managing Scotch thistle in the Okanagan-Similkameen before gaining experience in herbicide application for resource projects in the Pine Pass and Thompson-Nicola regions. As Program Coordinator with the Invasive Species Council of BC, Hallie now leads education and outreach initiatives that support effective invasive species management across the province.

Ainsley Mutrie, B.A. (Physical Geography & Environmental Sciences): Ainsley has over six years of experience in integrated pest management. Her background includes industrial site management, agricultural consulting, and invasive species education throughout British Columbia's Interior. As an Invasive Plant Program Coordinator, she supports outreach, education, and practical management initiatives that promote sustainable invasive species control.

Notes:

• Lunch will be included. Please let us know your dietary concerns at time of registration.  If you have an allergy you are expected to carry appropriate medication.
• Places are limited. Book now to secure your spot!

ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.