PlayCleanGo Awareness Week
June 1-8, 2024
Adventurers Beware
Enjoying a local park trail or nature reserve? Be careful! It could mark the beginning of a non-native species introduction.
The moment you brush past a plant or set down your pack in a meadow, you’ve invited seeds to cling to your belongings. Then, while on your next adventure, you accidentally disperse the seeds, spreading invasive species into a new ecosystem. Those invasive species can outcompete native species for food and habitat and sometimes even cause their extinction.
Many Paths
Spreading invasive species doesn’t stop at seeds or plant pieces.
Dangerous forest pests and diseases can be found in firewood. Wether it’s wood you take camping with you or use to heat your home, it can spread invasive species. On its own, emerald ash borer will generally move less than four miles a year. However, with help from people, it can cover 55 miles per hour in firewood, nursery stock, or personal belongings.
What Can I Do About Invasive Species?
Join us and take the pledge to stop invasive species!
When you take the PlayCleanGo pledge, you help outdoor spaces AND support their caretakers’ efforts to stop the spread of invasive species.
Invasive species are plants, animals, and microorganisms that are not native to a particular area. When outside of their normal range, invasive species can cause damage to the economy, the environment, and to human health.
Your pledge to “arrive clean and leave clean” gives local flora and fauna space to thrive. Each person can make a difference in preventing new invasions and stopping the spread of existing ones.
When you take the pledge to stop invasive species, you agree to:
- Clean your shoes, clothes, packs, pets, and vehicles before and after exploring and stay on designated trails.
- Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft and angling equipment and dispose of unwanted bait in the trash to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!
- Don’t Move Firewood! Buy it where you burn it and leave hungry pests behind.
- Clean your horse’s shoes and feed them weed-free certified hay before and after your ride.
- Repeat these steps at every outdoor adventure
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