Communities Pulling Together events are usually hosted by regional invasive plant committees in partnership with other interested volunteer groups. Participants will learn about priority invasive plants, how to prevent their introduction and spread and will help to control a local invasive plant infestation.

Any volunteer group/organization, school or club that is interested in raising funds and helping to control the spread of invasive plants, and that meets the criteria listed below, can participate in a weed pull event. Participating groups that complete a successful weed pull event will receive a $250 honorarium.

If your group meets the criteria listed below and is interested in participating in a weed pull event, contact the regional invasive plant committee in your area or the IPCBC for more information. Volunteer groups/organizations are limited to taking part in one weed pull event per year unless authorized by the IPCBC.

Criteria for participating in a weed pull event are as follows:

• Liability insurance ($2 million) in place prior to weed pull event
• Work with regional committee to identify infestation sites
• Minimum of ten volunteers
• Available to conduct four hours of weed pulling
• Appropriate weed disposal measures in place
• First Aid Kit
• Pickup Truck (if possible)
• One adult for every five children participating
• Appropriate clothing (long pants, shirts, closed toe shoes, gloves, etc.)

b. Steps to Participate in a Weed Pull Event

Step 1. Make sure that your group meets all of the criteria listed above.

Step 2. Download the Volunteer Group Registration and Volunteer Group Evaluation forms.

Step 3. Use the Regional Invasive Plant Committee Map to contact your regional coordinator.

Step 4. Set up a weed pull event date and location with your regional coordinator.

Step 5. Fill out and send in your Volunteer Group Registration form to the IPCBC office.

Step 6. Participate in the weed pull event.

Step 7. When the weed pull is complete, fill out the Volunteer Group Evaluation form (1 form per group).

Step 8. Send the Volunteer Group Evaluation form and an invoice for $250 to the IPCBC office.

Step 9. The IPCBC will issue the honorarium upon receipt of an invoice, and both the group and coordinator evaluation forms.

c. Honorarium Information

The IPCBC will provide a $250 honorarium to volunteer community groups/ organizations that meet the criteria required to participate and successfully complete a four hour weed pull event. Volunteer groups/organizations are limited to taking part in one weed pull event per year and receiving one honorarium, unless authorized by the IPCBC.

To receive the honorarium, participating groups must submit an invoice along with both the group and coordinator evaluation forms to the IPCBC office. Invoices and forms can be submitted by mail, fax, or email to:

Invasive Plant Council of BC
# 104 - 197 North 2nd Avenue, Williams Lake, BC V2G 1Z5
Phone: (250) 392-1400 • Fax: (250) 305-1004
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

3. Regional Invasive Plant Committees 

a. Program Information

Weed pull events can be hosted by participating regional invasive plant committees, regional districts, and provincial and municipal governments. All weed pull events must be coordinated with the appropriate regional invasive plant committee even if the committee is not directly hosting the event. Regional invasive plant coordinators are responsible for selecting the event site and providing educational materials required to conduct the weed pull event. See the Regional Invasive Plant Committees Map for contact information.

Criteria for hosting a weed pull event are as follows:

• Arrange to waive tipping fees at local landfill before event
• Commit to filling out an evaluation for the Invasive Alien Plant Program (IAPP)
• Commit to entering the site and event information into the IAPP database
• Educate volunteers on invasive plants and their management
• Educate volunteers on how to pull plants properly
• Supply garbage bags, gloves and, refreshments.

b. Steps to Host a Weed Pull Event

Step 1. Contact your regional invasive plant committee for information regarding infestation sites, educational materials, and event coordination.

Step 2. Select a high priority site infested with an invasive plant species that can be controlled by hand pulling.

Step 3. Check that you meet all of the Criteria for Hosting a Weed Pull Event.

Step 4. Check that the volunteer group meets the Criteria for Participating in a Weed Pull Event.

Step 5. Download the following forms:

Step 6. Contact the IPCBC office and order giveaways (Frisbees or Playing Cards).

Step 7. Conduct the weed pull event.

Step 8. Fill out the Regional Coordinator Evaluation form and send it to the IPCBC office.

Step 9. Enter weed pull data into the IAPP database: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/hra/Plants/raw.htm

4. Frequently Asked Questions 

• Q - How long is a weed pull event?
  A - Four hours.
  
  
• Q - How many people need to participate?
  A - Ten is the minimum number of volunteers required.
  
  
• Q - Can our community group participate in more than one weed pull event?
  A - Groups may only participate in one weed pull event per year unless authorized by the IPCBC.
  
  
• Q - Who do I contact to organize a weed pull event?
  A - Contact your regional invasive plant committee or contact the IPCBC office.
  
  
• Q - Are any invasive plants poisonous?
  A - Yes, however volunteer groups will not be removing plants that cause serious injury. The regional invasive plant coordinator will provide groups with all of the necessary information to conduct a safe weed pull event.
  
  
• Q - Where can I find more information about invasive plants?
  A - There are several online sources available to you:
  1. Your local invasive plant committee
  2. Weeds BC
  3. Ministry of Agriculture and Lands - Field Guide to Noxious and Other Selected Plants in BC
  4. IPCBC Resource Links


• Q - Who are the sponsors of this program?
  A - The Invasive Plant Council of BC, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, and the Agriculture Environment and Wildlife Fund.