We’ve put our first Boot Brush Station in place at the Boyne River School Property (just across from the Boyne Valley).
Invasive plant species are those that have become established outside of their natural range and have a negative impact on the environment, economy and/or human health where they are introduced. Trail users inadvertently transport seeds from one ecosystem to another when these opportunistic organisms hitchhike on footwear, pets, and gear. Once introduced, they quickly become established and compete for light, nutrients, and water, usurping the resources native plants need to grow and thrive. By degrading natural areas, they pose a threat to habitats, agriculture, and forest regeneration.
Benefits of Boot Brush Stations
A study conducted by North American Invasive Species Management Association (NAISMA) sampled dirt taken from boot brushes and compared it with dirt along the path. The seed communities differed significantly between samples, suggesting that boot brushes remove invasive species seeds.
Trail Conservancy Project
In the Spring of 2023, Baffin, maker of cold-climate footwear, in partnership with the Bruce Trail Conservancy, announced the Trail Conservancy Project to limit the spread of invasive species. Baffin generously committed to building 100 eco-friendly Boot Brush Stations for placement along the trail over the next five years. This year’s annual Earth Day Boot Brush Station Build produced 40 stations, doubling last year’s production.
Watch this year’s build: YouTube
Read more about why boot brush stations are important and how to use them.