Preventing the Spread of Invasive Species through PlayCleanGo and WorkCleanGo

PlayCleanGo®: Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® is NAISMA’s official, branded, registered, trademark-protected education and outreach program aimed at stopping the spread of invasive species through outdoor recreational pathways. The international campaign is grounded in a Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) strategy. Thanks to past support from the USDA Forest Service and USDA APHIS, and a the National Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, more than 200 digital graphics and print ready materials have been created to simplify social media marketing and in-person prevention outreach for partners, as well as more than 6,000 handheld boot brushes have been distributed to recreationists through NAISMA and NAISMA’s partners. NAISMA partners have placed more than 300+ boot brush stations on the landscape at recreation access points including trailheads, visitor centers, and parking areas. NAISMA partners and PlayCleanGo supporters share prevention communication through social channels, as this proven outdoor recreation focused campaign aims to prevent the spread of invasive species by effecting behavior change and reminding recreationists to clean their gear every time they go to their favorite or a new recreation area. This is achieved through positive messaging that resonates with recreationists’ and field workers’ values, and includes a clear call to action to clean boots, boats, and other outdoor gear.

Meet the Speaker

Lindsey Cathcart is the Education and Prevention Manager for NAISMA, which includes managing the PlayCleanGo program and working to provide opportunities for recreationists to prevent the spread of invasive species and empower them to incorporate land stewardship in their favorite outdoor activities. Lindsey has experience in invasion biology research, environmental education and community science, and most recently coordinated volunteer-powered invasive plant management in Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek Park.