Ripple: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes

Ripple: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes Partnering with retailers to share invasive species prevention messaging. RIPPLE is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

The Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE) program offers information to aquarium and water gardener professionals, retailers and hobbyists about what to do with unwanted plants and animals so they are not introduced into Michigan's lakes and streams. RIPPLE's education initiatives are coordinated by Michigan State University Extension in partnership with the Michigan Department of Environ

ment, Great Lakes and Energy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Never release unwanted species into the wild. Good practices include:
- Inspect and rinse new aquatic plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish.
- Build water gardens well away from other waters
- Seal aquatic plants for disposal in a plastic bag in the trash. Do not compost.
- Give or trade unwanted fish or plants with another hobbyist, environmental learning center, aquarium or zoo.
- Contact a veterinarian or pet retailer for guidance on humane disposal of animals. The State of Michigan has laws restricting and prohibiting the sale of some animals and plants, however it does not include all potentially harmful species.

06/29/2026

Keep an eye out for those pesky invasives during the MiCorps: Michigan Clean Water Corps Aquatic Invasive Species Detection Blitz happening now! Learn more and log those invaders: https://www.micorps.net/events/aisblitz

Reminder: Homeowners are not required to take immediate action if these plants are present on their property. As of June...
06/26/2026

Reminder: Homeowners are not required to take immediate action if these plants are present on their property. As of June 19, water hyacinth and water lettuce are prohibited from sale. They may not be purchased online or from out-of-state retailers, and should not be shared or traded with others. Never release any water garden plants or fish into natural waterways.

Michigan adds six species to its invasive list, with phased bans beginning June 19, 2026.

Another handy tip from our friend Jake the Nature Nerd about aquatic plants in aquariums!
12/17/2025

Another handy tip from our friend Jake the Nature Nerd about aquatic plants in aquariums!

The state is proposing to add six plants to its prohibited and restricted species list, including two aquatic plants.
12/11/2025

The state is proposing to add six plants to its prohibited and restricted species list, including two aquatic plants.

The state’s agricultural department wants to add to the list of plants that are not allowed to be sold or imported in Michigan.

Over the weekend we shared our "don't let it loose" message with aquarium enthusiasts from across the state at the Tropi...
12/11/2025

Over the weekend we shared our "don't let it loose" message with aquarium enthusiasts from across the state at the Tropical Fish Swap of Michigan. Attendees were able to get up close and personal with some pesky invaders at our booth and went home with resources to share with their fishy friends. Shout out to Michigan Department of Natural Resources biologists Justin and Ava for joining us in the fun!

Bowfin are often mistaken for invasive snakehead, but they play an important role in our ecosystem. Learn how to tell th...
12/08/2025

Bowfin are often mistaken for invasive snakehead, but they play an important role in our ecosystem. Learn how to tell the difference and why protecting native species matters from this Michigan State University Extension news article.

Learn how to ID between bowfin, burbot, and the invasive northern snakehead by spotting key differences in body shape, coloration, and fins.

Thinking about gifting an aquarium this holiday season? Aquariums can be a wonderful way to bring nature indoors, but th...
12/04/2025

Thinking about gifting an aquarium this holiday season? Aquariums can be a wonderful way to bring nature indoors, but they also come with responsibilities that protect our environment. Learn tips for selecting the right species, avoiding invasive plants and animals, and creating a healthy habitat for your fish.

Prevent aquarium animals and plants from invading our waterways by following simple steps.

Address

121 E. Maple Street
Mason, MI
48854

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ripple: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share