Slow the Spread of Invasive Species!
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Boot brush stations are a great way to increase awareness and prevent the spread of invasive species into recreational and natural areas. The stations serve to educate the public on the impact of invasive species and help demonstrate the steps a participant can take to keep their environment free of undesirable invasive species. Boot brush stations are strategically placed in high-traffic areas which help encourage the public to act and remove mud, dirt, seeds, and other invasive plant fragments from their clothing and gear.
The Capital Region PRISM has a dedicated but limited source of funding to help those interested across the region through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) process to fund the purchase and design of a Boot Brush Station. Templates are available for review and use through the PRISM (see below). For more information and applications, check out the CR-PRISM Boot Brush Program Fact Sheet. |
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Some of the stations in the Capital Region
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a boot brush station?
A boot brush station is a tool used to educate visitors about the threat invasive species pose to your preserve/property, how they spread, and most importantly, provides visitors with a means to take preventative action by cleaning their boots before they hit the trails!
How does installing one help stop the spread of invasive species?
A boot brush station gives visitors the opportunity to remove the seeds of invasive species from their boots or shoes before going down a trail, this helps prevent the invasive species from establishing themselves within a preserve/property. Often you can see the invasive species that end up growing below the boot brush to see it working in action!
What kind of maintenance is required?
Boot brush stations should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. The boot brush bristles themselves will become worn over time. This can vary based on use and site conditions, but it is recommended to replace them every 3-5 years. Replacement boot brushes can be found from a variety of vendors at a reasonable price.
How do I make a boot brush station?
You can watch a webinar about the construction of boot brush stations from our colleagues at the Western New York PRISM by clicking here.
What do the signs look like?
The CR-PRISM provides 3 templates for collaborators to use when making their signs. Species listed and logos present will vary based on locations and collaborators.
A boot brush station is a tool used to educate visitors about the threat invasive species pose to your preserve/property, how they spread, and most importantly, provides visitors with a means to take preventative action by cleaning their boots before they hit the trails!
How does installing one help stop the spread of invasive species?
A boot brush station gives visitors the opportunity to remove the seeds of invasive species from their boots or shoes before going down a trail, this helps prevent the invasive species from establishing themselves within a preserve/property. Often you can see the invasive species that end up growing below the boot brush to see it working in action!
What kind of maintenance is required?
Boot brush stations should be inspected and cleaned at least once a year. The boot brush bristles themselves will become worn over time. This can vary based on use and site conditions, but it is recommended to replace them every 3-5 years. Replacement boot brushes can be found from a variety of vendors at a reasonable price.
How do I make a boot brush station?
You can watch a webinar about the construction of boot brush stations from our colleagues at the Western New York PRISM by clicking here.
What do the signs look like?
The CR-PRISM provides 3 templates for collaborators to use when making their signs. Species listed and logos present will vary based on locations and collaborators.
