PlayCleanGo Week 2026: "We Protect the Places We Love"

In a seasonal community like Jackson Hole, outdoor recreation is in our DNA. From trail walks, mountain biking, and climbing in the spring to skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling in the winter—our great outdoors brings us (and countless visitors) together. But all that fun also carries the risk of spreading invasive species.

That’s why we invite you to join us in celebrating PlayCleanGo Week with us from June 6–13, 2026. This year’s theme, “We protect the places we love,” is a reminder that small, everyday actions can make a big difference for the long-term health of our lands and waterways. We’ll be sharing tips all week so you can learn the best ways to recreate responsibly!

What is the Danger of Invasive Species?

Every year, invasive species cause billions of dollars in damage to our environment. The biggest driver of their spread? Us. Our actions—from trade to travel to recreation—can quickly move invasive species into new areas.

Each invasive species is a major threat to our native plant and animal communities, recreation areas, agriculture, and the natural beauty of our landscapes. Without natural predators, they spread quickly, overtaking native plants, reducing biodiversity, eliminating food sources for wildlife, and more. As they become established, they can permanently alter habitats and contribute to more destructive wildfires.

The good news? We can all take small steps and build simple habits that have a big impact on our great outdoors.

How to Recreate Responsibly and PlayCleanGo

There are countless ways to enjoy our lands—and even more ways to protect them. Here are a few tips to take your responsible recreation to new heights in the mountains, out on our waterways, and through everyday practices in your garden and beyond.

Mountain Recreation

• Hiking: Use boot brush stations at trailheads, stay on designated trails, and clean mud, seeds, and burs from boots, socks, clothing, packs, and pets before and after your hike.
• Biking: Brush or wash mud and debris from bike tires, frames, shoes, and gear before moving between trail systems.
• Climbing: Check ropes, crash pads, shoes, packs, and clothing for seeds or soil before heading to a new crag or bringing gear home.

Water Recreation

• Boating: Clean, drain, and dry boats, trailers, motors, and gear after every launch to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
• Kayaking and Canoeing: Remove plants, mud, and standing water from boats, paddles, life jackets, and dry bags before visiting another waterbody.
• Fishing: Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash, clean waders and boots, and fully dry gear before your next trip.

Backyard and Everyday Activities

• Gardening: Choose native or non-invasive plants from trusted local nurseries and avoid planting species that can spread into natural areas.
• Firewood: Buy it where you burn it, and choose local or certified heat-treated firewood to reduce the spread of wood-boring insects.
• Pets and Horses: Brush dirt, seeds, and burs from paws, coats, hooves, tack, trailers, and equipment; use certified weed-free hay when required.

Small Steps, Big Impact

#PlayCleanGo is about making invasive species prevention part of everyday outdoor life. It’s about enjoying the outdoors while also choosing to #RecreateResponsibly. Taking a few minutes to clean gear, drain boats, plant native species, and more can have a lasting impact on our community for generations to come.

Follow us on social for more tips during PlayCleanGo Week and beyond. Tag @tetonweedpest to show us how you #PlayCleanGo and take the pledge to stop invasive species in their tracks.

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