Did you know that there are more than 300 species of greatest conservation need in Michigan? These are species lsuch as the piping plover, lake sturgeon and spotted turtle, whose existence is threatened by factors that include pollution, habitat loss and the spread of invasive species. In the wake of Earth Day 2022 on Friday, pledge to make a difference year-round by adopting habits that can prevent the spread of invasive species and support the protection of Michigan’s threatened wildlife and their habitats.

Love hiking, camping or trail riding? Simple habits such as cleaning gear before and after outdoor activities, staying on designated trails and buying firewood locally can protect the places you love. Go to PlayCleanGo.org/TakeAction to get the best tips for invasive species prevention for your favorite recreation pastime.

If it’s the water that calls you, pledge to clean, drain and dry boats, trailers and watersport equipment between uses. Removing plants, mud and debris, draining bilge tanks and allowing everything to dry thoroughly before reuse limits the likelihood of spreading invasive plants and mollusks such as New Zealand mudsnails to new locations. To find out more, go to Michigan.gov/Invasives/Take-Action.

Did you know that many of the plants that are most invasive in local natural areas originally arrived as ornamental garden plants? You can prevent the introduction and spread of invasives by purchasing plants at local nurseries and through landscapers that have committed to not selling high-threat invasive ornamental plants. Find out more at the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network’s Go Beyond Beauty website.

Are you a pond or aquarium hobbyist? Many plants and animals that we use in aquariums and backyard ponds have been imported from other parts of the world. While they are excellent for enhancing your aquatic friends’ environments, they may be harmful to Michigan’s native ecosystems if they are released into the wild. Find safe ways to manage unwanted or excess plants and aquarium pets through Michigan’s Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes (RIPPLE) program.

If you’re looking to learn more about invasives and how to tackle them, check out the NotMiSpecies webinar series. These webinars explore how agencies, organizations and individuals can work together to protect Michigan’s important natural resources.

To learn more about preventing and managing invasive species all year round, go to Michigan.gov/Invasives.

— Michigan Department of Natural Resources