Invasives 101
The basics of invasive species and how they spread.
What Are Invasive Species?
Invasive species are plants, animals and other organisms that are not native to a particular ecosystem and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, harm to the environment, the economy or human health.
Not all nonnative species are invasive. However, some can establish themselves in new environments, spread and cause significant damage.
How Do Invasive Species Spread?
Invasive species can spread in many ways. Some move through natural processes, including wind, water and wildlife. However, human activities can also transport invasive species to new areas, sometimes over long distances.
When we spend time outdoors, plants, seeds, insects and other organisms can hitch a ride on our boots, clothing, pets, vehicles and equipment. Aquatic invasive species can also travel in water left in boats and fishing gear.
Other pathways include the movement of firewood, nursery plants and contaminated materials.
The good news is that we can help prevent their spread. By cleaning our gear, checking our pets and making informed choices about the materials we transport, we can reduce the risk of accidentally introducing invasive species to new places.
Why Should I Care?
Protecting What Matters to Us
We all have different reasons for loving the outdoors. Maybe it's the trail where we walk our dogs, the lake where we spend summer weekends, or the local park where we gather with friends and family. Perhaps it's the wildlife we enjoy seeing, the clean water we depend on, or simply the satisfaction of leaving a place better than we found it.
Whatever brings us outdoors, we share something important: these places are worth protecting.
Invasive species can threaten native plants and wildlife, damage ecosystems, affect recreation opportunities and create significant costs for our communities. Their impacts extend beyond our favorite outdoor spaces, affecting water infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and livelihoods.
But the value of the places we love can't always be measured in dollars.
It's found in the memories we create, the wildlife and natural landscapes we appreciate, the resources our communities depend on, and the opportunities we want future generations to enjoy.
Whether we're motivated by protecting nature, keeping our favorite recreation areas accessible, caring for our equipment, protecting community resources or simply doing our part, we can all contribute.
By making simple prevention actions part of our outdoor routines, we help protect the places that matter to us.
Continue Learning with NAISMA Academy
Interested in learning more about invasive species and how to prevent their spread? NAISMA Academy offers online courses and educational opportunities covering invasive species prevention and management.
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