Invasive Plant Photo Contest Winners

Some Kootenay residents are $200 wealthier since the Central Kootenay Invasive Plant Committee (CKIPC) announced the winners of their “Worst Weed” Photo Contest.

During the summer of 2007, Kootenay residents were invited to take photos of invasive plants species in three categories: Scenic, Close-up, and Wildlife in Weeds. First prize in each category was $200 and second prize was $100.

“We ran this contest to encourage residents, including local photographers, to learn more about invasive plants and the species in our area” says Juliet Craig, Coordinator of the CKIPC. “Only photos of species on our priority list were accepted, so photographers had to identify these top species.”

Invasive plants are non-native species which arrive in Canada without the natural predators that keep them under control in their home land. Once established they can spread rapidly and aggressively, impacting our environment and economy. Some such alien invaders include spotted knapweed, yellow flag iris, and Scotch broom.

“The photo contest was extremely popular” says Craig. “We had over 60 entries and many excellent photographs.”

Derek Bruce and Michael Mayrhofer from Vogue Photographic Ltd. judged the contest. The prize winners in each category are: Scenic – Melissa Badger (first) and Janet King (second); Wildlife and Weeds – Tiffany Ware (first) and Tim Kendrick (second); and Close-up – Jim Lawrence (first) and Marcie Allan (second). Photographs will be on display at Vogue Photographic Ltd. in Nelson (565 Baker Street) for the next two weeks.

Funding for this project was provided by the Invasive Alien Species Partnership Program (IASPP) and the Columbia Basin Trust. Vogue Photographic Ltd. provided in-kind support.

This photo by Jim Lawrence of Canada thistle won first prize in the "Close-up" category.

Added on November 13th, 2007 - Return to Special Features