Building an Invasive Species Management Program and solving a knotty problem for BCIT

A BCIT Living Labs Lecture

BCIT’s Burnaby Campus is a remarkably biodiverse, with a network of habitats from urban gardens to the riparian habitat along Guichon Creek.

But, as an urban environment, many of these habitats are threatened by invasive species that limit natural biodiversity by outcompeting native plants.

In this Living Labs lecture find out more about how BCIT is addressing invasives as part of landscaping for campus. Adam Dickinson, BCIT’s Manager of Transportation Landscape and Grounds will discuss the development of BCIT’s comprehensive invasive species management plan, from identifying invasives to the work of species removal.

Amy Hendel, Field Operations Manager at environmental consultants Diamond Head, will look at how to tackle one of the most challenging invasives on campus, Japanese Knotweed. Knotweed is prevalent at several sites on campus (as well as elsewhere in the Province) and requires a comprehensive management plan to fully address.

Presenters

Adam Dickinson, Manager –Transportation, Landscape and Grounds, BCIT

Adam has been leading BCIT’s Landscape and Grounds portfolio for the last 8 years. Adam’s passion for horticulture and sustainability have led to the introduction of BCIT’s first Invasive Species Management Plan, BCIT pollinator programming, edible and interactive gardens, improved landscape standards and much more. Adam is a red seal chef, drummer and as always adding to his knowledge as a horticulturalist.

Amy Hendel, Field Operations Manager – Diamond Head Consulting Ltd.

 RBTech, B.A., Dip. Renewable Resources

Amy has over 15 years’ experience in the Renewable Resource sector, focusing on invasive species management. Amy completed her Fish, Wildlife and Recreation management program at BCIT, and has since worked in multiple field positions focusing on invasive species control. At Diamond Head Amy manages nine invasive species treatment crews who specialize in knotweed and giant hogweed control.

Diamond Head Consulting

Founded in 2001, Diamond Head has completed over 3,000 projects for more than 1,000 clients while our team has grown to include over 70 professional and operational staff. Our brand promise speaks to our core values: we are collaborative; we work with nature; we are strategic; we are creative; we build lasting value.

DHC’s founding partners started their careers working in the alpine ecosystems around the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Their passion for this area was the inspiration behind the company’s name.