Vermonters are invited to take simple but important steps to protect the state’s forests and outdoor spaces during PlayCleanGo® Awareness Week, which is June 6-13.

Led by the North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA), this national, annual campaign encourages everyone who enjoys the outdoors to help stop the spread of introduced species harmful to local ecosystems.

Plants, insects, and diseases can hitchhike on boots, gear, vehicles, and pets. In Vermont, introduced species like emerald ash borer can spread quickly and kill ash trees. Preventing this kind of long-term damage remains the most effective and affordable strategy for preserving forests, wildlife habitat, recreation areas and the state’s outdoor economy.

“Whether you’re hiking, biking, camping, or working outdoors, you can make a difference,” said Ginger Nickerson, Forest Pest Education Coordinator with UVM Extension. “Taking a few minutes to clean your gear and make sure you do not have any hard-to-see hitchhiking insects or plants on your gear helps protect the places we all love.”

emerald ash borer with metallic green wings
An emerald ash borer beetle. Photo by Debbie Miller, USDA Forest Service/Bugwood.org.

The PlayCleanGo® message is simple:

• Play – Enjoy Vermont’s outdoors responsibly

• Clean – Brush off mud, seeds, and debris from gear, boots, and pets

• Go – Head out to your next destination with clean equipment

Throughout the week, NAISMA will share tips, resources, and events to help outdoor recreationists learn how to reduce the spread of introduced species harmful to local ecosystems. Follow along on social media using #PlayCleanGo and #ProtectVTForests.

To learn more and find resources, visit https://playcleango.org/