Small river in between rocks and trees in the distance

Outdoor Enthusiasts

Protecting Nature While Enjoying Your Favourite Activities

Whether you’re hiking a forest trail, fishing in a pristine lake, or boating along the coast, outdoor enthusiasts have a front-row seat to Canada’s natural beauty.

However, these activities can inadvertently contribute to the spread of invasive species. Invasive plants, animals, and pathogens can hitch a ride on hiking boots, fishing gear, bikes, or boats, threatening the ecosystems we love to explore. By adopting simple practices, outdoor enthusiasts can play a vital role in protecting biodiversity while continuing to enjoy the great outdoors.

How Invasive Species Impact Outdoor Recreation and Biodiversity

Trail and Habitat Damage

Invasive plants like Garlic Mustard and Japanese Knotweed overrun trails and forests, crowding out native vegetation. These changes reduce biodiversity and impact wildlife habitats, diminishing the quality of outdoor experiences.

Waterway Disruptions

Invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil clog waterways, damage ecosystems, and increase maintenance costs for marinas and cottage owners. These invaders also impact recreational activities like boating and fishing.

Economic Costs

The spread of invasive species affects tourism, fishing, and outdoor recreation industries by degrading the environments that support them. Repairing damaged ecosystems and infrastructure requires significant resources.

Best Practices for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Adopt Tailored Take Action Programs

Invasives Canada offers programs designed to align with your favourite pastimes:

Play Clean Go

For hikers, cyclists, campers, and trail users, this program encourages cleaning your gear and boots to prevent the spread of invasive plants and seeds.

Clean Drain Dry

Watercraft users and anglers can follow these steps to prevent invasive species like zebra mussels from traveling between lakes.

Buy Local Burn Local

Campers can source firewood locally to reduce the spread of invasive pests like emerald ash borer, hemlock woolly adelgid, and Asian long-horned beetle.

Squeal on Pigs

Hunters can report sightings of wild pigs to help control this destructive species.

Partner with Local Organizations

Invasives Canada chapters collaborate with regional groups to manage and promote awareness of invasive species. Cottage associations, marinas, and outdoor clubs across Canada also play a role by sharing resources and encouraging members to take action.

Join Local Efforts

Volunteer with local invasive species councils or environmental organizations to participate in removal projects or habitat restoration efforts.

Stay Informed and Report Sightings

Use tools like iNaturalist to report invasive species you encounter. Early detection helps authorities respond quickly and protect ecosystems. Find out what tools are used in your province/territory to report invasive species.

Prevent Contamination

Clean mud and plant material off your footwear, bike, all-terrain vehicle, and camping gear, before and after outdoor activities on the land
Clean, drain, dry your watercraft, fishing gear, and waders, before and after outdoor activities on the water.
Do not transport firewood to campgrounds or cottages, as it may carry invasive insects and diseases.

Take Action Today

Every outdoor adventure is an opportunity to protect Canada’s natural beauty. Follow tailored programs like Play Clean Go and Clean Drain Dry, support your provincial/territorial invasive species council, and report invasive species to help preserve the landscapes and waterways that make Canada such an incredible place to explore.