PlayCleanGo
PlayCleanGo® is a campaign to prevent invasive species from being introduced via recreational pathways such as: hiking, camping, boating, hunting, fishing, biking, and more. The campaign’s goal is to protect valuable natural resources by instilling an ethic of stewardship in recreationists as they enjoy the places they love in the great outdoors.
Our objective is to slow—and where possible to stop—the spread of invasive species by changing public and worker behaviors at risk of spreading harmful pests living on land or in water. This campaign promotes awareness, understanding, and cooperation by providing a clear call to action to be informed, attentive and accountable for stopping the spread of all invasive species. Key messaging is to:
For over 100 years, biological control has been used around the world as an effective, affordable, and environmentally responsible way to reduce the harm caused by invasive species. This method uses natural enemies—like insects, fungi, or other organisms—to help manage invasive plants and animals. It tends to work best on invasive species that are already well established, rather than on newly introduced ones.
The success of biological control can vary. In some cases, it works extremely well and replaces the need for other weed control methods. In others, it may not work at all. Most efforts fall somewhere in between. When biological control doesn’t fully solve the problem, it’s best to use it as part of an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) approach—a strategy that combines multiple tools and techniques to control invasive species more effectively.
Biological control fits well with ecological principles, since it often involves reuniting an invasive species with a natural enemy that helped control it in its original habitat. Ecological science also helps experts predict how well a biological control agent might work and assess any potential risks. By breaking down complex ecological processes into clear, trackable steps, we can better understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how to improve future efforts. This flexible, adaptive approach helps make biological control safer and more effective over time.
The Free PlayCleanGo® Starter Kit includes:
Becoming a premier partner helps support vital education and outreach efforts like PlayCleanGo® while giving you access to valuable resources, increased visibility, and a network of like-minded organizations dedicated to protecting our lands and waters from invasive species.
