The boots of park and nature preserve visitors are vectors for the spread of invasive non-native plant species like garlic mustard. Park visitors are also a large group of people whose interest in the out-of-doors might be tapped for education about the problem of invasives, and put to use to help control their spread. Preserve visitors are the target of an initiative of the Greater Sauk County Invasive Plants Team (GSCIPT) to install boot brushes and educational signs at trail heads at up to 15 state parks, county parks, and nature preserves in Sauk County this summer and fall. The goals of the project are to encourage hikers to clean their shoes before and/or after they hike, and to raise their awareness about invasive species while they brush.
The brushes and signs will be mounted on sturdy metal podiums planted in the ground on 4x4’s. The signs will contain a simple message and illustrations printed on a weather-resistant surface with a replaceable Plexiglas cover.
IPAW is sponsoring a grant application to help fund the project on behalf of GSCIPT, an IPAW member. The expected cost of an individual unit is between $250 and $300. GSCIPT would be glad to make the boot brush and sign units available at cost for use elsewhere. If you are interested in learning more about the boot brush and sign, or would like to discuss ordering a sign, please contact Jay Walters. GSCIPT expects to place a sign order before the end of this winter, so if you are interested in ordering one, please contact them soon.
Contact:
Jay Walters, Baraboo Hills Land Steward The Nature Conservancy
107 Walnut Street, Baraboo, WI 53913 (608) 356-5300; jwalters@tnc.org