Be A Hero!
  • Home
  • Transport Zero – Aquatic
  • Transport Zero – Terrestrial
  • Release Zero
  • Partners
  • Contact Us

Be A Hero!

​FIGHT THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES


Two anglers in a boat are silhouetted on the water at sunset. Superimposed on the bottom left corner is a circular logo with the text
boaters, anglers,
​divers, waterfowl
​hunters
A hunter in an orange vest and hat with a gun slung over his shoulder stands looking down at a brown dog in front of him. They are in grass with bare trees and shrubs behind them. Superimposed on the bottom left corner is a circular logo with the text
hikers, campers,
​hunters, birders,
Landowners

A black goldfish swims in an aquarium with green plants in the background. Superimposed on the bottom left corner is a circular logo with the text
​​WATER GARDENERS,
​aquarium hobbyists,
​TEACHERS
A white car backs into the water at a boat launch at a large lake or river. There is a boat in the water behind the car and two people on a dock next to the boat. In the foreground is an orange sign with the text
​​Campaign Partners,
​
Resource Managers,
Lake associations​

Several wildlife agency officials in orange vests are holding nets in a boat. The boat is on a river and there are around one hundred silver carp fish jumping out of the river around the boat.

What are invasive species?

Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or pathogens that harm natural areas. They can cost millions of dollars to control and hinder outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and birding. Aquatic invaders such as silver carp pose a major ecological and safety threat to Illinois waterways.
A folded blue towel is on the ground in front of a yellow and white bait bucket and a white bucket with a white towel draped over the rim. These items are all on concrete pavement and there are bare trees in the background.

What you can do

Invasive species are often impossible to eradicate, but preventing their spread is a simple and cost-effective way to limit their impacts. Be A Hero by joining the more than 90% of Illinois outdoor enthusiasts already fighting the spread of invaders. Find the community you identify with to learn about how you can help protect our natural areas and economies.

A pickup truck is parked in a concrete lot with some plants and trees in front of it and in the background. The truck has graphic decals of aquatic invasive species, the text

about the be a hero campaign

The Be A Hero campaigns' messages provide tools for recreational water users, terrestrial recreationists and organisms-in-trade hobbyists to prevent the spread of invasive species. Individuals and organizations concerned about invasive species are encouraged to learn how to become a campaign partner and help spread the word to these communities.

Photo Credits
Anglers in boat: Ulrich Berens, Flickr; Be A Hero sign: Bob Mazzefi, Friends of Catherine and Channel Lakes; Silver carp jumping: Ryan Hagerty, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Bait bucket and towels: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant; Be A Hero truck: Rebecca Redman, Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Page last updated on July 06, 2021
A logo with the text
A logo with the text
A logo with the text
  • Home
  • Transport Zero – Aquatic
  • Transport Zero – Terrestrial
  • Release Zero
  • Partners
  • Contact Us