Review the information below to learn how to protect your favorite trails, forests, parks and prairies while hiking.
- Before
- Before leaving home check your gear to make sure you don’t have mud, seeds, or insects hiding on your boots, clothing, or backpack. Bringing a furry friend with you? Check their fur to make sure it is free of seeds and mud too.
- During
- While hiking stay on the trail and avoid muddy spots. Wandering off trail will increase your chances of picking up seeds—or mud that can carry seeds and vegetation.
- After
- Before going home, check yourself and your pets for seeds and soil. Clean your boots, clothing, gear, and pets as best you can before leaving the trailhead. Don’t bring invasive species home. If you find some tricky mud or seeds clinging to your clothing or gear when you get home, make sure to properly dispose of the seeds.
Learn about how to prevent the spread of invasive species while doing other activities on public lands.