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Prevention should always be the first measure taken. Once established, invasive species can take many years to eradicate. Taking steps at home and on public land to prevent the introduction of invasive species to new sites will save time, money, and effort for yourself, your neighbours, and your community.
Gardening
Gardens are a common site of introduction for invasive species. Many of the invasive plants in the Boundary originated as ornamental species in flower and herb gardens. Unfortunately, invasive plants are still sold in nurseries and as wildflower seed mixes. Plants are often sold under a less well known common name. When purchasing, check scientific names to ensure no invasive species are present. Look for Plant Wise Recognized Retailers and learn to identify invasive species. The Grown Me Instead guide offers alternative ornamental plants for those already in your garden or plants you are looking to buy. Other safe garden practices include: not moving potentially contaminated soil in or out of your garden, being cautious when accepting transplants or collecting seeds, and not spreading 'wildflower' mixes or dumping garden waste on public land
Pasture
Over grazing can cut out competition for unpalatable invasive species. Looking after the health of your land will lower the risk of invading plants. Invasive species are also transported in hay. Know where your feed comes from. Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana) is present in many fields in the boundary. The plant is toxic to horses, even when dried, and the viable seed passes through the digestive tracts of most animals.
On the Water
Aquatic invasives are often more difficult and expensive to treat due to their location and the sensitivity of the ecosystems they occupy. Seed, eggs, larvae, and plant matter are easily transported to new water bodies on boats and other equipment and gear. Practicing Clean Drain Dry is essential to protecting all waterbodies: Clean all plants, animals, and organic matter from your gear and equipment; Drain any and all water from your gear and equipment including checking spaces where it may be trapped; Dry all gear and equipment before moving to a new water body.
On the Trail
Outdoor recreation puts our local ecosystems at greater risk of exposure to invasive species which could degrade the outdoor experience and natural beauty of the landscape. Practice Play Clean Go. Seeds easily catch on shoes, clothing, pets, and vehicles. Inspect yourself and your pets and remove any seeds or burs. Wash or use compressed air to clean the undercarriage of vehicles and equipment. Be sure to remove all plants and dirt. Staying on designated trails and roads prevents further damage to ecosystems and limits the spread of invasive species to remote areas.
Pets
Pets not only transport invasive species, but may be invasive themselves. Goldfish and red-eared slider turtles, among others, are sold in pet stores. Invasive populations are the result of people releasing their pets into the wild. Don't Let it Loose is a program the spreads awareness around the dangers of letting pets into ecosystems where they cause significant harm to the local residents. Instead of taking your over grown pet to a local lake or pond, give it to a friend or sell it back to a pet store. This is safer for your pet and the local ecosystem.
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