I hope that title line caught your attention…an alert on invasive species is in full effect, and most of you reading this, including yours truly, are probably guilty of contributing to the spread of at least one invasive species. It is not something to be ashamed of or fearful of if proper precautions are taken when out on the trails.
The primary culprits are of course our equipment, especially footwear. When out on the trail, be aware of where you are. If on a localized trail system, clean your boots before leaving the trailhead for home or for the next trail. If doing an extended hike that may cross multiple ecosystems, carry either an alternative pair of footwear to be worn prior to entering in an area, or simply take a five minute breather and thoroughly remove any plant or soil matter that may have stuck to your footwear, as well as insects or scat, both in the tread and topside.
Check your outer wear as well…especially when you are moving through dense brush or have rubbed against braches. For most shells, this is a simple task that you and your hiking partners can perform on each other. Just as with your footwear, make sure that any insects, vegetation, or soil that becomes attached to your clothing is removed before leaving the trailhead for home, or when entering into a new ecosystem area.
Tools and equipment, especially anything used to cut brush or wood, anything used for digging, and most importantly anything that ends up on the ground, like a tent or sleeping pad, are fully cleaned after each use.
In addition to checking your clothes, equipment, and footwear when leaving an area, complete an additional check once you get home, and of course, always start your trip with the same checks. Remember that you can bring invasive species from home to the trail as well.
These simple tasks take very small amounts of time to complete, and will help to keep your favorite hiking spots, as well as the area around your home alive, vibrant, and invasive free.
The primary culprits are of course our equipment, especially footwear. When out on the trail, be aware of where you are. If on a localized trail system, clean your boots before leaving the trailhead for home or for the next trail. If doing an extended hike that may cross multiple ecosystems, carry either an alternative pair of footwear to be worn prior to entering in an area, or simply take a five minute breather and thoroughly remove any plant or soil matter that may have stuck to your footwear, as well as insects or scat, both in the tread and topside.
Check your outer wear as well…especially when you are moving through dense brush or have rubbed against braches. For most shells, this is a simple task that you and your hiking partners can perform on each other. Just as with your footwear, make sure that any insects, vegetation, or soil that becomes attached to your clothing is removed before leaving the trailhead for home, or when entering into a new ecosystem area.
Tools and equipment, especially anything used to cut brush or wood, anything used for digging, and most importantly anything that ends up on the ground, like a tent or sleeping pad, are fully cleaned after each use.
In addition to checking your clothes, equipment, and footwear when leaving an area, complete an additional check once you get home, and of course, always start your trip with the same checks. Remember that you can bring invasive species from home to the trail as well.
These simple tasks take very small amounts of time to complete, and will help to keep your favorite hiking spots, as well as the area around your home alive, vibrant, and invasive free.