Students Plant for the Future

Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS)

Established in 1996 the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society (OASISS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention, detection, and management of invasive species in the Okanagan-Similkameen.

Students in the South Okanagan will learn about locally important grassland, shrub-steppe and riparian ecosystems and the negative impacts of invasive plants on these habitats. Over a three-year period, youth from School Districts #67 and #53 will be directly involved in planning, implementing, and monitoring invasive plant removal and indigenous plant restoration projects. Up to 2 hectares will be restored as students learn the value of being land stewards of local environments through place-based learning.

This project is the first year of a 3-year request. Approved by Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Board and $19,060 was allocated from the South Okanagan Conservation Fund for 2024. The project is expected to complete by January 31, 2025.