Birds eye view of waterways in amongst lush green areas

Take Action:

Safeguard Canada’s Lands and Waters from Invasive Species

Small Actions. Big Impact.

Our national take-action programs play a vital role in protecting Canada by addressing specific activities and behaviours contributing to the spread of invasive species. Every choice you make, whether it’s hiking a trail, planting a garden, or enjoying time on the water, can defend our precious ecosystems.
Discover how you can get involved and make a difference!

Play Clean Go

Stop Invasive Species in Their Tracks

Play Clean Go educates outdoor enthusiasts on preventing the spread of invasive species while still enjoying the great outdoors. Seeds, spores, and other tiny hitchhikers can travel unnoticed, posing a significant threat to our natural habitats.

Play Clean Go logo

Here’s How You Can Help:

  • Remove dirt, seeds, and plant material from your boots, gear, and pets before and after your outdoor adventures.
  • Choose designated trails and avoid disturbing untouched natural areas.
  • Spread the word by educating others on the critical importance of cleaning gear.

Why It Matters?

If you aren’t careful, invasive species can be transported into new and sensitive ecosystems through outdoor activities. Join the Play Clean Go movement, and together, we can protect the great outdoors from invasive species!

Two cyclists on a mountain looking out at the view

Buy Local Burn Local

Protect Forests from Invasive Pests

Transporting firewood can unwittingly spread tree-killing insects and diseases, jeopardizing our forests. While these pests may move slowly on their own, they can travel great distances when firewood is moved.

Buy Local Burn Local logo

How You Can Help:

  • Buy firewood where you plan to burn it.
  • Never move firewood across regions, parks, or provincial borders.
  • Report signs of tree pests and diseases.

Why It Matters?

Explore the Buy Local, Burn Local program now and become an advocate for our forests!

Man crouching down in shorts behind a wood stack that he is about to light up with matches

Clean Drain Dry

Stop Aquatic Invasive Species

Aquatic invasive plants, animals, and diseases can travel on watercraft and gear during recreational activities. They are spreading at an alarming rate and threaten Canada’s waterways, aquatic habitats, and water infrastructure.

Clean Drain Dry logo

How You Can Help:

  • Clean off your boat and gear’s mud, plants, and debris.
  • Drain every drop of water from your boat, motor, and live wells before leaving any waterbody.
  • Dry your equipment for a minimum of 48 hours before using it in a different location.

Stop aquatic invasives before they spread. Protect lakes and rivers—Clean, Drain, Dry every time.

Two men on a boat fishing on a lake

Don’t Let It Loose

Prevent the Release of Harmful Species

Many of Canada’s most damaging invasive species arise from the reckless disposal or release of aquarium plants and animals into our natural landscapes and waterways. These released species can spread diseases, outcompete native species, and degrade vital ecosystems.

The Don't Let It Loose program Logo

How You Can Help:

  • Never release fish, reptiles, amphibians, insects, plants or mammals into the wild.
  • Rehome unwanted pets responsibly or return them to pet stores.
  • Use native or non-invasive pet alternatives in classroom settings.

Discover the hidden dangers of releasing pets and plants into the wild—protect wildlife and ecosystems today.

Red eared slider turtle on a branch beside a body of water

Plant Wise

Garden and Landscape Responsibly

Escaped horticultural plants from gardens, ponds, and aquariums can significantly harm biodiversity in natural habitats and impact cultivated fields. Our “Grow Me Instead” guides empower gardeners to select non-invasive alternatives.

Plant Wise logo

How You Can Help:

  • Choose native or non-invasive plants for gardens and landscaping.
  • Remove invasive plants from your yard and replace them with safe options.
  • Inquire at nurseries about the risks of invasive species when selecting plants.

Grow wisely, protect nature.

Learn more about the importance of responsible gardening practices to protect our environment.

Garden full of flowers with a path running through it

Squeal on Pigs!

Report Wild Pigs Before They Take Over

Wild pigs wreak havoc, destroying farmland, forests, and water sources while spreading diseases and threatening wildlife. Their presence is a growing and serious concern across Canada.

Squeal on pigs logo

How You Can Help:

  • Report wild pig sightings immediately to your local invasive species authority.
  • Learn to identify wild pigs and their impacts.
  • Support local and provincial efforts to control populations.

How You Can Help:

  • Report wild pig sightings immediately to your local invasive species authority.
  • Learn to identify wild pigs and their impacts.
  • Support local and provincial efforts to control populations.

Why It Matters?

Learn more about this urgent threat by visiting WildPigsCanada.ca.

Wild pigs burrowing around in mud

Take Action Today

Your choices matter immensely. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, gardener, pet owner, or simply someone who cares deeply about Canada’s environment, there’s a way for you to take meaningful action. Explore each program, follow the guidelines, make your pledge, and share this vital information. We can unite to protect Canada’s lands and waters from invasive species.