Recreate Responsibly this Summer
Summer is right around the corner and so are some of our favorite outdoor activities. Whether you’re a long-time local, snowbird, newcomer, or tourist, Jackson offers some of the best mountain adventures.
With these activities (like hiking or biking) comes the responsibility to sustain them for years to come. We want our children and our children’s children to hike the same trails and see the same sights that we will this summer. Unfortunately, some of our invasive plants that threaten our ecosystem have spread through recreation.
So, we need your help to stop invasive species. The good news is, we don’t need to end our summer pastimes—we just need to recreate responsibly this summer.
Recreate Responsibly this Summer - Favorite Summer Activities
Photo by Wren Bird on Unsplash
Hiking: Wipe or brush off your hiking boots or trail running shoes after a day in the mountains. Some invasive plants have tiny seeds that are difficult to spot. It’s best to wipe them off every time you use them.
Biking: Brush or wash off any equipment that you use. While mountain bikes may seem more likely to spread invasive plants, road bikes can also pick up mud that contains small seeds.
Photo by Bobby Stevenson on Unsplash
Paddleboarding: After a warm sunny day on the lake make sure to wash and brush off your paddleboard. Aquatic invasive species can be tiny but deadly to our native fish. Plus, many species like the zebra mussel can live outside of water for weeks. It’s better to be safe than sorry—use a hose, scrub brush, or towel to wash off any debris you may find.
Recreating with dogs: We love our furry friends. They keep us company and safe when we’re alone on a trail. At the same time, our loyal (and cute) friends can spread invasive seeds all over the place. To make sure this doesn’t happen on your watch, inspect your dog’s fur and paws after each walk.
Boating and fishing: Clean all of your gear before you enter and as you’re leaving each body of water. Gear includes your vessel, bait containers, waders, fishing lines, and any type of footwear. When you dispose of debris or unwanted materials make sure that you throw them in the trash. If you dump them on land then you may accidentally spread land or aquatic invasives. Nobody wants that!
When we all do our part in Jackson, we can conserve a beautiful ecosystem that sustains diverse life and our favorite summer activities—it’s a win-win for everyone!