This March, the Canadian Council on Invasive Species will be hosting our annual Webinar Series!
As part of Canada’s Invasive Species Awareness Week (February 24 – March 2), CCIS is working to increase awareness about invasive species in Canada through our annual webinar series. This series will bring together experts, researchers, and partners to highlight impactful projects, new research and upcoming threats that are shaping the landscape of invasive species action across Canada. This year’s presentations include:
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Leveraging Behaviour Change Principles to Support Prevention of Invasive Species (Wednesday, March 5th)
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On the Edge of Invasion (Monday, March 10th)
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Invasive Management: New and Alternative Tools in the Toolbox (Wednesday, March 19th)
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Strategies to Prevent the Impact of Free-Range Domestic Cats (Wednesday, March 26th)
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Invasive Wild Pigs: Collaborative Management Efforts in British Columbia (Thursday, March 27th)
Registration Details and Links Below!
Stay tuned as we announce new topics and details about speakers and presentations.
You can support our work, like our annual webinar series, to spread the word about invasive species; eliminate the pathways invasive species use to spread in Canada; and protect our ecosystems by making a donation.
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Leveraging Behaviour Change Principles to Support Prevention of Invasive Species
Wednesday, March 5th @ 12:00pm (EST)
Register here »
Meet the Speaker: Ken Donnelly, President of Beyond Attitude
For more than thirty years, Ken Donnelly has combined research and behavioural psychology to foster positive individual behaviours in environmental conservation. For more than 12 years, his focus has been primarily on the human dimension of invasive species. Ken is a researcher, strategist, trainer, and speaker.
Ken is currently the Supervisor of the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council and Vice-Chair of the Canadian Council on Invasive Species.
Presentation Description:
Raising awareness and changing attitudes about environmental conservation is important, but it is not enough to move the needle. Learn how to cultivate conservation activity by applying behavioural psychology to education and outreach programs.
On the Edge of Invasion
Monday, March 10th @ 12:00pm (EST)
Register here »
In regions at the “edge of invasion,” monitoring efforts are crucial for early detection and rapid response. Join us for this session in the CCIS Annual Webinar Series, where experts from Prince Edward Island and Treaty #3 territory will share their unique approaches to monitoring and managing invasive species on the frontlines.
We invite experts from Grand Council Treaty 3 in Ontario and the PEI Invasive Species Council to discuss their work monitoring for invasive Phragmites and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid at the edge of their range or just beyond.
Chase Guindon, Coordinator, PEI Invasive Species Council
Chase is the coordinator of the PEI Invasive Species Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species island wide. Chase is based out of Charlottetown, but was born and raised in southern Ontario where he spent several years working for the OFAH Invading Species Awareness Program.
Presentation Description:
As an Island, PEI is uniquely insulated from the natural spread of invasive species by the Northumberland Strait which separates it from the mainland. Chase Guindon, PEI Invasive Species Council coordinator, will discuss their approach to the early detection of invasive species moving closer along the Atlantic coast.
Chris Herc, Environmental Manager, Grand Council Treaty #3
Chris Herc is originally from New Brunswick but has lived and worked across Canada before settling into his role as Environmental Manager with Grand Council Treaty #3. Through his work at Grand Council Treaty #3 Chris works with the 28 Treaty #3 communities on long-term water quality monitoring, community-based climate impacts monitoring, invasive species management, and species at risk conservation to build and strengthen capacity for Indigenous led stewardship and protection of the lands, waters, and relations in Treaty #3. Chris has a B.Sc. in Environmental and Natural Resources with over ten years’ experience and has worked across Canada in the environmental conservation field. He is always excited to work with the Treaty #3 communities to build and strengthen environmental conservation and protection initiatives and partnerships for the Nation.
Presentation Description:
Invasive Species Early Detection and Management in Treaty #3: From setting a mandate to monitoring, mapping and management Grand Council Treaty #3 will highlight challenges and solutions for invasive species management in the often “forgotten about” areas of Canada.
Invasives Management: New and Alternative Tools in the Toolbox
Wednesday, March 19th @ 12:00pm (EST)
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Three presenters will discuss alternative methods and upcoming technology being used towards monitoring and managing invasive species.
Cheryl Post, Natural Environment Specialist, City of Toronto – Urban Forestry
Cheryl Post is a Natural Environment Specialist with the City of Toronto, Urban Forestry. For over a decade she has specialized in natural environment infrastructure projects that protect and enhance Toronto’s urban ecology, such as wetlands, boardwalks, and sustainable trails. She recently spearheaded Toronto’s innovative Prescribed Grazing Project, the first to pilot this type of grazing for urban ecosystem management in Ontario.
Toronto’s Prescribed Goat Grazing Pilot – A First for Urban Ecosystem Management
In 2024, the City of Toronto (Urban Forestry) became the first municipality in Ontario to launch a comprehensive goat grazing program to address invasive species and enhance habitat diversity. The Prescribed Grazing Pilot Project was a significant success story, bringing over 60 goats to graze 3000 m2 of meadow habitat at Don Valley Brick Works Park. Prescribed grazing can address a variety of management concerns, including invasive species, woody vegetation encroachment, native plant regeneration, and soil improvement. It also provides ample opportunity for engagement and education. The City of Toronto is excited to be at the forefront of grazing in Ontario. Join us to learn more about the project, and this exciting and innovative approach to urban ecosystem management.
Paige Kuczmarski, Biocontrol Coordinator, Alberta Invasive Species Council
Paige graduated in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from MacEwan University where she was first introduced to invasive species through efforts with multiple research projects with garlic mustard and forest tent caterpillars. Soon after, she started various positions with Alberta Agriculture and Alberta Environment and Parks over the next four years. In 2021, she joined the AISC as their ‘Jill’ of all trades, running the Biocontrol Release Program, increasing the AISC’s social media presence and general invasive species projects! She continues to foster her love of the outdoors within this role and hopes to assist in educating Albertans on invasive species and their management.
Biocontrol in Action: AISC’s History and Tools
Join the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) for a look at the evolution of its biocontrol program. This webinar will cover the history of biocontrol efforts in Alberta, key tools in AISC’s toolbox, and how these sustainable methods are used to control invasive species while minimizing environmental impact.
Strategies to Prevent the Impact of Free-Range Domestic Cats
Wednesday, March 26th @12:00pm (EST)
**TIME TO BE CONFIRMED AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Register here »
Experts will provide insight into the impacts free-ranging domestic cats have on wildlife and ecosystems, and what agencies and the public can do to mitigate these impacts.
Sara H. Schweitzer, Ph.D.
Dr. Sara Schweitzer is the Assistant Chief of the Division of Wildlife Management within the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and she oversees the Wildlife Diversity Program for the state agency. There are 20 biologists working throughout North Carolina on conservation efforts for birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians in her program.
In addition to coordinating surveys, monitoring, research, and habitat conservation projects with her staff and partners, Sara is involved in several partnership programs, including: Bird Conservation, International Relations, and Wildlife Diversity and Funding committees for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Atlantic Flyway Council’s Nongame Migratory Bird Technical Section and serves on the Landbird, Raptor, Shorebird, and Waterbird committees, and as the Member-at-Large; Partners in Flight Executive and Steering committees, and the Eastern Working Group; U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan Council; Waterbird Society’s Conservation Committee and is co-leading work to revitalize the Waterbird Council and update the Waterbird Conservation Initiative’s Plan; IUCN Heron Specialists Group; Wildlife Society and its Southeast Section and North Carolina Chapter; and North Carolina Red Wolf Team.
Presentation Description:
Relative to this webinar, Sara chaired the Feral and Free-Ranging Cat Working Group for the Bird Conservation Committee of AFWA from 2016 to 2022. The WG produced several products that are on its webpage and the Human-Wildlife Interactions Monograph, “Toolkit to Address Free-ranging Domestic Cats on Agency Lands Managed ” by Sara H. Schweitzer and Colin M. Gillin, was published in 2024.
Invasive Wild Pigs: Collaborative Management Efforts in BC
Thursday, March 27th @ 12:00pm (EST)
Register here »
Emily Lomas, Terrestrial Invasive Fauna Specialist, Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, will be discussing the preventative and management work being done to address invasive wild pigs in BC.
