The future of your favorite recreation areas are in your hands! There are many things that you can do to protect them. Preventing new invasions and preventing the spread of existing invasions are top priorities. Get involved and...
Educate Yourself, Family and Neighbors
Learn to recognize the common invaders in your area and keep an eye out for signs of new ones. You can start by reviewing these two references. Then check the areas around your home, work, and recreation sites to locate any potential infestations.
Let your local nursery grower know about your concerns about invasive species. Inquire about the source of plants you buy.
When on outings, share your knowledge with your family. Teach them how to identify invasive species and how to avoid spreading them.
Let your neighborhood organization know about local infestations and discuss management options.
Join a Local Control Project
A number of rural landowners have joined together in Cooperative Weed Management Areas or CWMAs to address a local invasive weed problem. Check with your city or county representative to see if there is one in your area. Also inquire about potential funding options.
Neighborhood organizations have been a great way to tackle infestations in a local park or green space area. Examples include "buckthorn busters" and garlic mustard harvesting by active neighbors. Check with your neighborhood organization or city representative to see about projects you could join or even start.
Host a local event
PlayCleanGo has utilized a variety of strategies in several community events. You may want to incorporate some of these ideas into your own educational program.
- PlayCleanGo Day event
- Weed buster events
- Invasive Survey volunteer kits