Invasive Species Learning Options

Original date: March 24, 2015

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Presenter: Sue Staniforth

Description: Invasive species are a serious issue worldwide, representing the second greatest threat to global biodiversity after habitat loss, and costing governments and communities tens of billions of dollars in control efforts. Unlike many large scale environmental issues, students and youth groups can usually do something about invasive species and in a hands-on, experiential way. In this webinar, Sue will review a variety of educational strategies and fieldwork planning tools that support young people tackling invasive species locally. She will also highlight some activities that engage students in identifying, surveying and mapping native and invasive species, investigating the impacts of invasive species on local ecosystems, economy, and cultures, and developing effective action projects.

Sue Staniforth is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia, a non-profit society that helps coordinate and unite a wide variety of stakeholders in the struggle against invasive species. With over 25 years of experience as a biologist, educator and curriculum developer, she has developed over a dozen learning resources on topics that range from Garry Oak ecosystems to outdoor classrooms to invasive species resources. She has developed training courses for parks, forestry and utility workers and Master Gardeners, and delivered hundreds of teacher professional development workshops both provincially and nationally.