Are you ready to do something about the problem? Want to get involved? Join a growing team of people like you and find out ways to become part of the solution.

Get Out There

Our scientists need your help if we are to control the spread of invasive species. You can affect change in your own backyard or community by following a few simple ideas in your everyday life.

	Don't release pets into the wild. The intentional release of unwanted pets into the environment can be disastrous to the environment. It's better to find ways to "recycle" pets to other people who want them or humanely dispose of pets that can't find alternative homes! For more information on protecting the environment from invasive fish and aquatic plants, visit Habitatitude.
	Rinse boats and other watercraft. Clean your boat after use to reduce the spread of alien species that ruin fishing and other water activities – not to mention the environment. Without care, boat owners accidentally transport invasive weeds, mussels and even fish to new locations on their boat hulls and motors. For more information on how to protect the environment from unwanted aquatic hitchhikers, visit the Stop Aquatic Hitchhikes Program.
	Plant only non-invasive species. Avoid unintentionally planting invasive plants, shrubs and trees. Many of our most troublesome invasive plants escaped gardens and yards around the country. Plant local native species or types that will "stay put." For more information on the types of landscape plants native to your area visit NWF Backyard Certification Program. To learn how to avoid unintentionally spreading invasive species go to the Saint Louis Declaration and read and endorse the codes of conduct.
	Locate programs in your neck of the woods. People all over the country are coming together and sharing ideas and solutions for this problem. Use the map below to locate groups and organizations in your area!
	All links below will open in new browser windows. Arizona Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum Tucson, AZ California Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach, CA Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Los Angeles, CA California Science Center Los Angeles, CA Monterey Bay Aquarium Monterey, CA Florida The Florida Aquarium Tampa, FL Illinois Shedd Aquarium Chicago, IL Louisiana Audubon Institute / Aquarium of the Americas New Orleans, LA Maryland Maryland Science Center Baltimore, MD Massachussetts New England Aquarium Boston, MA Missouri Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis, MO New York New York Aquarium New York, NY North Carolina North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh, NC Ohio Columbus Zoo and Botanical Gardens Columbus, OH Texas Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Austin, TX Fort Worth Zoo Fort Worth, TX Washington Woodland Park Zoo Seattle, WA

Plus, you can find helpful ideas (or tell us yours) in the Idea Exchange »