Play Clean Go helps stop spread of invasive species
By Contributor
Summer is such a fun time of year to get out and spend some time in nature with many great activities to do in the Boundary.
We share this world with a myriad of other plants and animals.
Most of them are native to the Boundary but there is growing concern about invasive species. Invasive species are non-native and have negative impacts on local ecosystems. You can take some simple steps this summer to protect our native species and their habitat.
You can Play Clean Go!
Play Clean Go has 455 partners in both the USA and Canada.
The goal is to encourage people to be informed, attentive and accountable for stopping the spread of invasive species while enjoying the outdoors.
Check out www.playcleango.orgfor lots of great tips for every activity from horseback riding to ATVing. The top Five tips are come clean, use only local firewood, use weed-free hay, stay on designated trails and leave clean.
Come clean means that you should check yourself, gear, pets and vehicles to make sure you are not bringing any dirt, plants and bugs from home. Using only local firewood is very important to stop the spread of pests that attack trees.
Don’t take any firewood home with you as pests that attack trees may be in the wood.
If you are out on a pack trip it is a good idea to feed your animals weed free hay for three days before you leave and while you are on your trip. You don’t want to be responsible for introducing invasive plants into a pristine wilderness area. Stay on designated trails no matter if you are on foot, bike, horse or ATV.
Leave clean means making sure you don’t have any dirt, plants, or bugs on your belongings before you leave for home.
For more tips on Stopping the Spread check out our website www.boundaryinvasives.comyou can also contact the Boundary Invasive Species Society on Facebook, boundaryinvasives@gmail.comor 250-446-2232.
Jen Haynes is the Education coordinator for the Boundary Invasive Species Society
