HELP STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES
Blue Heart Springs is under threat. Learn to identify the invaders, follow Clean-Drain-Dry every time, and help us keep this irreplaceable spring alive for generations to come.
Quagga Mussels
How to Identify
Tiny fingernail-sized striped mussels that attach to nearly any hard surface.
Why It Matters
Reproduce explosively, clog infrastructure, and strip nutrients from the water column.
Eurasian Milfoil
How to Identify
Feathery, fan-like underwater plant with 12 or more leaflet pairs per leaf.
Why It Matters
Forms dense mats that choke the springs, hinder paddling, and shade out native plants.
Eurasian / Asian Clams
How to Identify
Small light-brown clams with distinct concentric ridges on the shell.
Why It Matters
Filter feed aggressively, disrupt the food web, and can foul shorelines in huge numbers.
CLEAN. DRAIN. DRY.
The most effective way to protect the springs is to inspect and decontaminate your gear every single time.
Clean
Remove all mud, plants, and debris from your boat, paddles, and gear before leaving.
Drain
Drain all water from hulls, bilges, livewells, and equipment before transport.
Dry
Allow everything to dry completely, ideally for five days, before entering new waters.
Help us spread the word, not the species.
Your support funds inspection stations and education that keep these invaders out.