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.

Thrilled to see SO many fish and plants today at our event!
10/26/2024

Thrilled to see SO many fish and plants today at our event!

Reminder: our surrender event hosted alongside the awesome Water Colors Aquarium Gallery is TODAY!
10/26/2024

Reminder: our surrender event hosted alongside the awesome Water Colors Aquarium Gallery is TODAY!

Working with aquarium and water garden owners and retailers to ensure Michigan's waterways are protected against invasive species

Swamped with aquarium fish or plants and scratching your head about what to do? Swing by Water Colors Aquarium Gallery i...
10/23/2024

Swamped with aquarium fish or plants and scratching your head about what to do? Swing by Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids this Saturday, Oct. 26 for our FREE surrender event.

It's that time of year again when pond owners are gearing up for winter! If you find yourself with more fish or plants t...
10/22/2024

It's that time of year again when pond owners are gearing up for winter! If you find yourself with more fish or plants than you can handle, remember: never release them into the wild. It's important to protect local ecosystems. Instead, reach out to a local retailer for guidance. Or better yet, join us on Saturday, October 26 at Water Colors Aquarium Gallery, where you can surrender your fish at no cost. It's a great opportunity to ensure your fish find a safe and suitable home while you prepare for the colder months!

Have an aquarium fish you are looking to rehome? Not sure what to do with that unruly aquarium plant that is growing too...
10/10/2024

Have an aquarium fish you are looking to rehome? Not sure what to do with that unruly aquarium plant that is growing too fast? πŸ‘€Great news, we're teaming up with Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids Oct. 26 to host a FREE surrender event. Join us in our efforts to keep Michigan's waterways healthy 🐟🐟🐟

Working with aquarium and water garden owners and retailers to ensure Michigan's waterways are protected against invasive species

We are excited to partner with one our favorite retailers Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids for a fish surre...
10/10/2024

We are excited to partner with one our favorite retailers Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids for a fish surrender event! Come on out October 26 to support this important initiative. We will be accepting the surrender of freshwater fish & plants.

Do you have aquarium plants or fish you can no longer care for? Surrender unwanted freshwater fish and plants at the RIPPLE event on October 26 at Water Colors Aquarium Gallery in Grand Rapids.

Backyard ponds are a great way to experience nature up close. Ensure your water garden isn't having a RIPPLE effect on o...
08/06/2024

Backyard ponds are a great way to experience nature up close. Ensure your water garden isn't having a RIPPLE effect on our lakes and streams by keeping those pond plants and fish contained and out of our waterways.

Learn more with this Michigan State University Extension article

While water gardens add beauty to backyards, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with aquatic invasive species and to prevent escape.

Did you know? Aquarium friends + Michigan waterways do not mix. Don't let them loose. Local retailers and hobbyist clubs...
08/01/2024

Did you know? Aquarium friends + Michigan waterways do not mix. Don't let them loose. Local retailers and hobbyist clubs can provide advice on rehoming.

We love a gorgeous water feature as much as you do, but be aware some of the most popular pond plants are also on the Mi...
07/30/2024

We love a gorgeous water feature as much as you do, but be aware some of the most popular pond plants are also on the Michigan Invasive Species Watch List ! Take care when using them and never release any plants or fish into a natural waterway.

😫 Uh-oh! This is why we preach "inspect and rinse new plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish befo...
10/04/2023

😫 Uh-oh! This is why we preach "inspect and rinse new plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish before placing them into water gardens or aquariums". Hitchhikers are common! Keep our lakes and rivers clean by never releasing plants or animals purchased from garden centers or pet stores into the wild.

πŸ“£ New partner alert! Thank you Blue Thumb Retail Store for joining the RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector network and for shar...
08/22/2023

πŸ“£ New partner alert! Thank you Blue Thumb Retail Store for joining the RIPPLE Fresh Water Protector network and for sharing the Don't Let it Loose message with your customers! Retailers like you keep our waterways healthy.

Shoutout to one of our newest Freshwater Protector Partners Aquatic Innovation for their awesome Ripple: Reduce Invasive...
08/18/2023

Shoutout to one of our newest Freshwater Protector Partners Aquatic Innovation for their awesome Ripple: Reduce Invasive Pet and PLant Escapes display! We're always delighted to partner with new retailers who want to share our Don't Let it Loose message πŸ₯°

Address

121 E. Maple Street
Mason, MI
48854

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