Stop Invasive Species in your Tracks

Play, Clean, Go is a program aimed at reducing the spread of invasive species by encouraging people to clean off footwear, equipment, tires, pets, and anything else we bring outdoors before and after visiting a new area.

Play

Get outside and experience all nature has to offer

Clean

Clean off all equipment, gear, and animals before and after you enjoy the outdoors

Go

Head off to your next adventure free of invasive species!

How Does This Help

Getting rid of, or even just controlling, an invasive species once it has arrived is very difficult. That is why preventing the spread of the species in the first place is essential.

The key to doing this is identifying the ‘pathways of invasion’- the ways in which they spread- and putting a stop to them.

For terrestrial invasive species, a major uncontrolled pathway is through the movement of users and their equipment between recreational areas such as hiking trails, campsites, and parks. Pieces of plants and their seeds, insects, and pathogens such as fungi can hitch a ride on footwear and clothing, in tire treads, on animal fur, or by clinging to equipment. Fortunately, users can do their part to block this pathway by inspecting equipment and cleaning off all organic matter before and after visiting a new area.

ATV Riders (Westshore Marine _ Leisure).jpeg

Program Activities

Through the PLAY CLEAN GO program, we work with a variety of stakeholders including government, conservation organizations, researchers, and user-groups like hikers, mountain bikers, and ATV-users to raise awareness about different terrestrial invasive species (ie. plants, insects, fungi) that can be spread through these activities. Check out our PCG activities below and contact us if you would like to get involved!