Prevention tools like boot brush stations placed at trailheads and other recreation access points are critical in our fight to Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks®. We can’t do this without your help—and you have the power to make a difference in your community!

But with great power comes great responsibility. Here are a few simple tasks to keep your boot brush stations in top shape:

• At a minimum, clean the boot brush signage and replace worn bristles at least once a year.
  
• Remove and properly dispose of the dirt mound that will accumulate under them. We added a large, shallow box at the base filled with gravel to help keep the area clean and dry.  Replacing the gravel every year or two really helps keep the brush stations in nice shape.
  
• Remove and properly dispose of weeds that grow around the boot brush station.
  
• Fix any broken parts, tighten loose screws and simply keep the station sturdy and kept up.

On busier trailheads, consider more regular maintenance or even installing multiple boot brush stations to prevent hikers from passing them up because of lines. No one enjoys standing in lines.

Overall, our research shows that boot brushes stations have become a great tool for raising awareness about invasive species. They have empowered many to take action and know they too have a role to play in helping to prevent the spread of these pesky hitchhikers. In conclusion, if you or your organization are considering installing a boot brush station, just know – if you install it, they will be used!

Get involved with the North American Invasive Species Management Association:

• Join as a NAISMA partner to get organizational discounts on membership, access to a professional network to share more research like this, gain PlayCleanGo benefits, and more.
• PlayCleanGo is our program helping you spread the message to the public about invasive species and how to prevent their spread.