May 12 marks the International Day of Plant Health, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reminding everyone of their role in safeguarding agriculture, forests, and the environment in Canada.

As the weather warms and Canadians are out enjoying local parks, campgrounds, and backyard barbeques, the CFIA is asking you not to move firewood, and report any sightings of invasive species.

 Here are some of the ways you can help prevent the spread of invasive species:

• -  Learn about invasive species in your area and how to recognize them.
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• -  Let your family, friends and neighbours know about the importance of plant health and tell them about the International Day of Plant Health
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• -  Don’t move firewood, buy and burn your firewood locally
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• -  Inspect and clean outdoor gear, vehicles, or equipment (such as boats, ATVs, RVs, camping gear, or lawn mowers) before moving them to new areas.
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• -  Get kids involved in being plant health heroes!
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• -  Report any suspicious plant pests. You can do so online or by contacting your local CFIA office

Help the CFIA keep invasive species at bay. Experts are standing by to provide interviews on how to identify invasive species, what to do if they are found, how the report them, and how Canadians travelling across the Canada/U.S. border and throughout the country can help prevent the spread of these destructive intruders.

Source:  Canadian Food Inspection Agency May 7, 2025 news release