Play, Clean, Go

Stop invasive species in your tracks

Invasive species are plants, animals, and microorganisms that are not native to a particular area. They can disrupt ecosystems, causing significant negative effects to plants, animals, and even people!

Help Parks Canada prevent the spread of invasive plant species:

• REMOVE plant material and mud from your boots, gear, pets, and vehicle.
• CLEAN your gear before entering and leaving the trail or recreational site.
• STAY on designated trails.

Why?

Nature is a delicate balance. Too much of one species or not enough of the other can be extremely damaging to the local flora and fauna. This affects a national park’s ecological integrity.
Have you ever noticed grass seed or burrs stuck to your pants after a day outdoors? Invasive species are commonly spread by humans and pets recreating in an area, like hiking or cycling. It’s up to us to become informed, attentive, and accountable for our role in the spread of invasive species. By adding PlayCleanGo into your adventure planning, you are making a huge environmental impact.

How?

1. Clean your equipment
   Check your gear and footwear for any seeds, mud or plant material before and after coming to the park.
2. Brush your boots
   Use boot brushes, or boot-brushing stations to remove plant material after using hiking trails.
   • Select spots in Banff National Park now have a boot brush station at the trailhead for public use.
   • Handheld boot brushes can be stored in your vehicle or backpack.
3. Stay on the trail
   To limit the spread of seeds and trampling of native plants.
   • Leave the bushwhacking to deer and yeti.

Visit the PlayCleanGo website for more information about this program.