Play, Clean, Go!

Sightseeing and hiking in national parks is a wonderfully unique experience, and we can keep it that way if we remember to clean our clothing and gear after each use to slow the spread of invasive species.

NPS photo/Denali National Park/Miller

Everyone who visits national parks can play a role in slowing the spread of invasive species. Invasive plants cause harm to people or animals, so we need to work together to stop them in their tracks. It’s easier to prevent invasive species from entering a new area than removing them once they’re established. That’s why the National Park Service has teamed up with other public lands and organizations to remind visitors how they can help stop the spread of invasive species.

PlayCleanGo aims to keep invasive species from entering our natural areas during recreation. So if you’re hiking, cycling, boating, fishing, or hunting, remember to “Play in the outdoors, Clean your gear and clothing before you leave, and Go to your next adventure.”

This boot brush station is at Harry Hampton Visitor Center in Congaree National Park. Help stop the spread of invasive species by cleaning your boots before and after recreating in public lands.

Clean Drain Dry is the easy way to remember how to Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers. When you fish or boat, just follow these quick steps to keep invasive aquatics like quagga mussels from infesting new areas:

• Clean visible mud, plants, and animals before leaving the water

• Drain all water-containing devices before leaving the water

• Dry everything for at least 5 days or wipe off before reusing

Also, you may see new boot brush stations at a national park near you like this one at Congaree National Park in South Carolina. This simple tool will help us slow the spread of seeds of invasive species. All you have to do is scrub your footwear on the brush both before and after taking a hike or exploring a nature trail.

If we all do our part, we can help prevent invasive species from infesting new public lands and waters while still enjoying these beautiful and unique places.