A single “kind” release can rewrite a whole ecosystem. We open with hard‑won lessons from a deep bush chaga trip—gear that saved the day, how to improvise repairs miles from a road, and the thrill of spotting brook trout in a stream you could step over—then pivot to what really threatens our waters: invasive species carried by trade and well‑intentioned pet owners.

Katie Church, Aquatic Invasive Plant Coordinator at the Invasive Species Centre, joins us to break down the European water chestnut story in clear, practical terms. You’ll learn how to identify those floating rosettes, why the barbed seeds are a hazard, and how manual removal by canoe works when communities act early. We also dig into reporting tools like EDDMapS, Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, and the outreach power behind the Don’t Let It Loose campaign.

From there, we tackle the pet pipeline. Goldfish don’t stay small in stormwater ponds; they grow large, stir up sediment, block sunlight, reduce oxygen, and set the stage for algae blooms. Red‑eared sliders compete with native turtles already under pressure. Marbled crayfish can clone themselves, meaning one escape can spark a population. We share smart, humane alternatives—rehoming through retailers, aquarist groups, sanctuaries, and schools—so you never face a release decision at the water’s edge.

If you care about healthy lakes, clean shorelines, native fish, and vibrant wetlands, this conversation gives you the field knowledge and the civic tools to make a difference today. Learn the signs, report what you see, and help stop the next introduction before it starts. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves the outdoors, and leave a quick review to help more stewards find these resources.