How can I help?

Preventing invasive species from occurring is the best method to fight the IS problem! Knowing what to look for and educating others is also critical. Whether at home or out at your favorite recreational destination, there are things you can do to help fight the spread of IS. Some simple ways you can help are:

• • Avoid planting invasive plants on your property! Buy native species which benefit both the local area and wildlife.
  • Before hitting the trail, make sure your boots are clean! Seeds and even IS themselves can hitchhike on your gear and invade new areas.
  • Clean your boat and gear after leaving the water! Boating activities and associated gear are a major vector for introducing aquatic IS to new waterbodies.
  • Tell others about IS!
  • Volunteer! There are many opportunities for helping parks and land managers address IS infestations. Some examples include:
    • FoHVOS – NJISST Volunteer Opportunities
    • The Rutgers Environmental Stewards program
    • NJDEP | Volunteer | New Jersey Forest Service
    • National (volunteer.gov)

• General Resources
  • Take Action Against IS (USDA)
  • Managing IS (USDA)
  • What Can You Do About IS? (TNC)
• Homeowners
  • NJ Invasive Species Strike Team | What to Plant and Avoid List (2022)
  • NJ Fish & Wildlife | Backyard Habitats
  • Jersey-Friendly Yards (promotes landscaping with native species)
  • The Native Plant Society of New Jersey | About Invasive Plants
  • Rutgers | Invasive Species of the Month
  • Invasive Species Impacts | Habitattitude™ | Protect Our Environment
  • Invasive Species – Don’t Move Firewood (dontmovefirewood.org)
  • PlayCleanGo – NAISMA
• Anglers
  • NJ Water Monitoring Council | Decontamination Protocol (How to Avoid Hitchhikers)
  • NJDEP Fish & Wildlife | Aquatic Invasive Species Information
  • Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers
• NJ Forest Stewards
  • New Jersey Forest Service Forest Stewardship Program
  • Guidelines for Addressing Invasive Plant Species in NJ Forest Stewardship Plans