Did You Know?
Hiking and biking along recreational trails can be a lot of fun, but also has the potential to spread invasive plants and their seeds. Studies have shown that trails act as a pathway for spread of invasive plant species. Invasive plant seeds can spread along trails by clinging to clothing, boots, pets, and vehicles like mountain bikes. Going off trail during a hike causes its own problems as well, as it causes disturbances, creating space for invasive plants to establish.
What You Can Do
- Learn to identify invasive species that are a threat to Ontario.
- When hiking, prevent the spread of invasive plants by staying on trails and keeping pets on a leash.
- Check all of your hiking gear at the end of your outing for plants and mud that might be carrying invasive plant seeds.
- If you think you’ve seen an invasive species in the wild, please contact the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www.EDDMapS.org to report a sighting.
Take Action!
OFAH/MNR Invading Species Awareness Program. (2021). Pathways – Trail Use. Retrieved from: www.invadingspecies.com.
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Think you have seen an invasive species?
Report it!
Invading Species Hotline
1-800-563-7711
