What Can You do About Invasive Species? How can You Help?

The first thing that you can do to help stop the spread of invasive species is to learn how to identify the invasive plants that are in your area. Once you know how to identify these species there are many things you can do. The first is to report any new sightings in your area to local landowners. The sooner that invasive species are seen and taken care of, the easier and less expensive it is to control.

The next thing that can but done to help is to avoid passing through the invasive species. What this means is to not pass through it while hiking, camping, or driving. Stay on established roads and trails. Basically you don’t want to spread it even more to other areas. After being outside make sure to check your clothes, shoes and any gear you had with you and even your animals for seeds or other pieces of the plants. Seeds can also be stuck to your cars so make sure to wash it off after coming out of a plant-infested area. If you see seeds, dispose of them in a plastic bag so they don’t grow.

If you have a boat or are on a boat, wash it and remove all plants, animals and mud after leaving the water. Clean and dry your boat before going into a new body of water.  Drain all water from your boat before leaving the water. If you have extra bait that you don’t want, throw it in the trash. Don’t release them into the water (unless it came from that water body.)

If you are a farmer, use weed-free hay and feed for animals.

Inform others! Tell your family and friends about the seriousness of this problem.

Become a part of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network (MIPN)- a group of federal, state and local governments, universities, industries, non-profit organizations, and the general public working together to address the threats. They contribute by preventing, detecting, and  responding to the plants while managing and controlling species, researching, and providing resources to educate others. For more information visit mipn.org.

Seek out other resources in your area where you can volunteer to help inventory or control invasive plants. When controlling the plants make sure to do it before the harvest activities so there is no dramatic increase in the number of invasive plants.

Be on the lookout for invasive species to help wipe them out!