Outcomes

  • Reduced rates

    for disposal of invasive plant matter at the Squamish landfill and Whistler transfer stations

  • Stickers & truck decals

    identifying your business as Invasive-Free certified (necessary to access reduced disposal rates)

  • Letter of certification

    verifying your company’s current status as Invasive-free Certified

  • Educational resources

    specifically curated for landscapers, horticulturists, and earthmovers

  • Support & consultation

    from experienced SSISC staff members

Pricing

This fee covers partial costs of the program, the remainder of our costs are covered by grants from our partners, including the Community Foundation of Whistler.

Current Invasive-free Certified Companies

Testimonials

Here's what past course participants have to say

L&A Equipment

Ora Ramage

“The workshop was very interesting and full of useful information. I was surprised at how much I learned! The course instruction and materials provided were relevant and applicable to our industry. I recommend this course to anyone in the site development, earthmoving, or excavating business.”

Whistler Blackcomb Landscaping

Sally

"We found the training very informative as always. Breanne did a great job and was very knowledgeable. We have removed invasives on a bunch of occasions and are always identifying new ones. We stopped some contractors from digging up a bunch of knotweed until we could advise them the proper disposal methods and provided them with bags and tags. We have also written to the Pemby Valley Nurseries about removing invasive lamium from our hanging baskets. We are all very aware of the problematic invasives in the area and always check we are not planting invasives."

Wildside Landscaping

Julie

"It was a great program and Breanne did a good job. I’d like more of my staff to participate next time."

Green Admiral Nature Restoration

Richard Beard

"I have no hesitation in saying that the course was excellent and provided amazing value for money. There is always something new to learn about dealing with invasive plants because we are dealing with a very dynamic Phenomenon. This course was up-to-date, had good visual presentation and the course materials for reference were outstanding. This is exactly the sort of information that should be widely circulated to inform anyone who is connected with landscaping, construction, biological restoration, or real estate. The course focused on practical ways of identifying and dealing with invasive plants in our local community. I could take what I learnt and apply it in the field immediately."

Course curriculum

Here's what you'll learn about

  • 1

    Welcome to the course!

    • A quick introduction

    • How to use this course

    • About SSISC

    • About you
  • 2

    Intro to Invasives (Module 1)

    • What are invasive species?

    • Why do we care?

    • How do invasive species get here?

    • What can we do to stop the spread?

    • Management categories

    • End of Module 1

    • Module 1 Quiz
  • 3

    Invasive Plants (Module 2)

    • Welcome to Module 2

    • Prevent Regional Management Category

    • Gorse

    • Eradicate Management Category

    • Giant Hogweed

    • Flowering Rush

    • Yellow Flag Iris

    • Broad-leaved Peavine

    • Flat Pea

    • Tansy Ragwort

    • Purple Loosestrife

    • Contain Management Category

    • Himalayan Blackberry

    • Scotch Broom

    • Japanese Knotweed

    • Spurge Laurel

    • Common Comfrey

    • Himalayan Balsam

    • Yellow Lamium

    • English Ivy

    • Butterfly Bush

    • English Holly

    • Strategic Control Management Category

    • Common Burdock

    • Periwinkle

    • Orange Hawkweed

    • End of Module 2

    • Module 2 Quiz
  • 4

    Invasive Animals (Module 3)

    • Welcome to Module 3

    • Goldfish

    • European Green Crab

    • Zebra & Quagga Mussels

    • American Bullfrog

    • Red-eared Slider Turtle

    • European Fire Ants

    • End of Module 3

    • Module 3 Quiz
  • 5

    Invasive Species Control (Module 4)

    • Welcome to Module 4

    • Prevention

    • Consider the following...

    • Control Methods

    • Disposal Recommendations

    • End of Module 4

    • Module 4 Quiz
  • 6

    What You Can Do (Module 5)

    • Welcome to Module 5

    • Plant Wise

    • Plant Wise Commitment

    • Grow Me Instead

    • Dig Smart

    • Report Invasive Species

    • Stay Informed

    • End of Module 5

    • Module 5 Quiz
  • 7

    Course Completion

    • Final Exam

    • Course Feedback

    • Congrats, you've completed the course!

Get started now

The course is video-based with interactive content, and takes only 2-2.5 hours to complete
Click here to enroll

Earn a LinkedIn Compatible Badge

You can now receive a badge upon course completion. These badges can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile to showcase your new skills and knowledge from taking this course. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for environmental protection to your colleagues and peers. 

If you completed the course in previous years and would like to receive a badge, please contact us at [email protected]

Questions?

Email us at [email protected]