Michigan State University Michigan State University

MSU Extension Invasive Species

  • Events
  • Experts
  • News
  • Resources

Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE)

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

Order free RIPPLE materials

Get Our Educational Materials

Learn to Identify Plants and Animals

Explore Regulations

Regional Pet and Garden Invasive Species Programs

DFW04_Digital_200X250Banner_FINAL2-PNGAquariums and water gardens add beauty and tranquility to our homes. Many plants and animals that we use in aquariums and backyard ponds have been imported from other parts of the world. While they are excellent to enjoy they may be harmful to Michigan's native ecosystems if they are released into the wild. Although Michigan’s winter temperatures stop some exotic species from reproducing in our lakes and streams, this is not always the case. Some species survive and thrive, negatively impacting the environment, decreasing recreational opportunities and causing severe economic consequences.

It is never safe to release water garden or aquarium plants and animals into the natural environment, even if they appear to be dead.

Together we can keep Michigan’s waterways healthy and pure

  • Never release an aquatic plant or animal into waterways
  • Inspect and rinse any new plants to rid them of seeds, plant fragments, snails and fish.  
  • Build water gardens well away from other waters.
  • 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.

Learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in water gardens with this MSU Extension Smart Gardening fact sheet

Aquarium and Water Garden MSU Extension News

  • Troublesome turtles: Invasive red-eared sliders in the Great Lakes

    Published on February 17, 2023
    Popular pets that some consider to be one of the worst invasive species.

  • No silver lining: Invasive goldfish in the Great Lakes

    Published on February 16, 2023
    Seeing an orange-colored goldfish in your local lake is actually a sign of bad luck for native fish and plants.

  • Mobile Boat Wash Program season wrap up

    Published on November 2, 2022
    The Mobile Boat Wash Program has wrapped up its 8th season of boat wash events for organizations across Michigan dedicated to aquatic invasive species prevention.

  • Enhance your outdoor living spaces with a water feature

    Published on July 29, 2022
    Wildlife sightings, soothing sounds, and scenic beauty are just a few benefits from having a backyard water feature.

Page 1 of 5

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • >

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 Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. RIPPLE is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program.

mdard-horizontal-logo-no-background_original

EGLE LOGO

DNR

Paige Filice

Paige Filice

Natural Resources Educator
filicepa@msu.edu
517-676-7291

  • follow us on youtube
  • follow us on twitter
  • follow us on facebook
  • follow us on linkedin
Michigan State University
  • Contact Information
  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Disclaimer
  • Call MSU: (517) 355-1855
  • Visit: msu.edu
  • MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer.
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

Filter by content type
Michigan State University

MSU Extension Invasive Species

  • Home
  • Reduce Invasive Pet and Plant Escapes (RIPPLE)

  • Regional Programs
  • Outreach Products
  • share this on facebookShare
  • share this on twitterTweet
  • save to PinterestSave
  • share this on linkedinShare
  • print this pagePrint
  • Email this pageEmail