We protect the
places we love.
Stop Invasive Species
In Your Tracks®
What is PlayCleanGo®?
PlayCleanGo® Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® is a collaborative North American campaign that inspires people to take simple actions to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Whether we're hiking, biking, camping, fishing or enjoying our favorite outdoor spaces, we all have a role to play in protecting the lands and waters we love.
Through education, outreach and community partnerships, PlayCleanGo provides the tools and resources to make invasive species prevention easy, accessible and part of our everyday outdoor experiences.
Together, we're building a community where taking action to prevent the spread of invasive species is simply what we do.
Our Mission, Vision & Purpose
Our Mission
Preserving our natural landscapes and ecosystems by inspiring and educating communities and outdoor enthusiasts on responsible practices that prevent the spread of invasive species.
Our Vision
To prevent the introduction and slow the spread of invasive species from harming our lands and waters.
Our Purpose
Through collaboration with communities, outreach efforts, and prevention tools we raise awareness of how and why invasive species are spread, their impacts, and what actions can be taken to prevent their introduction.
Our PlayCleanGo Story
PlayCleanGo began in Minnesota in 2012 and has since grown into a collaborative invasive species prevention campaign spanning North America. Originally developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with significant support from the USDA Forest Service, the campaign has expanded through partnerships with organizations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Today, PlayCleanGo brings together organizations and communities around a shared goal: inspiring people to take simple actions to prevent the spread of invasive species and protect the places we love.
Our Journey
- 2012
PlayCleanGo launches in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources launches PlayCleanGo, establishing the foundation for the campaign.
- 2016
The campaign expands to Canada
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species, now known as Invasives Canada, adopts PlayCleanGo.
- 2017
PlayCleanGo expands to Mexico
Mexico’s National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO) adopts the campaign.
- 2018
NAISMA adopts PlayCleanGo
The North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) adopts the campaign, helping expand its reach across the United States.
- 2019
NAISMA assumes U.S. brand ownership
NAISMA becomes the owner of the official PlayCleanGo brand in the United States. Invasives Canada holds the PlayCleanGo trademark in Canada.
- 2024
A new Advisory Team is convened
A new PlayCleanGo Advisory Team brings together partners and subject matter experts to provide strategic guidance and support the campaign’s continued growth and effectiveness.
Continuing Our Story
Today, PlayCleanGo continues to evolve through collaboration, research-informed outreach and a shared commitment to making invasive species prevention part of everyday outdoor activities.
Our five-year program plan provides a roadmap for strengthening collaboration, expanding prevention resources and empowering more people to take action across North America.
Learn more about our Program Leadership & International CollaborationSmall actions.
Collective impact.
Protecting the places we love starts with the actions we take every time we head outdoors.
PlayCleanGo encourages people to make simple prevention behaviors part of their outdoor routines. By demonstrating these actions, sharing our experiences and making prevention tools readily available, we help others do the same.
Our approach is grounded in the understanding that lasting behavior change happens when people feel connected to a community, see others taking action and have the tools they need to participate.
Together, we're building a culture of prevention where everyone can contribute, regardless of their outdoor experience or abilities.
What Prevention Looks Like
Growing Together Across North America
PlayCleanGo's strength comes from the people and organizations putting prevention into practice. Across North America, communities are sharing prevention messages, installing boot brush stations and creating opportunities for more people to participate.
Every action contributes to a growing culture of prevention. By working together, we can make it easier for everyone to protect the natural spaces they enjoy.
Our partners, supporters and ambassadors play an important role in bringing PlayCleanGo to communities across North America.
Join the PlayCleanGo Community
We all have a role to play. Whether you’re exploring the outdoors, sharing prevention messages or providing tools that help others take action, you can make a difference.
How Will You PlayCleanGo?
Thank you for being part of a growing community working together to protect the places we love.