Invasive species are generally regarded as a serious threat to forest ecosystems, however, the role that outdoor recreational activity plays in their spread remains understudied. This study examined whether the density of invasive plant species varied by distance from recreation trails categorized by high and low usage intensity. Strava global heat maps were used to determine high and low usage trails, and plotted perspective points on the Gaia GPS app. At each sampling location, I counted the number of invasive plants in two quadrats, one close and one far from the trail. The results showed no significant difference in invasive species density between high-use and low-use trails. Further, there was no significant difference in the density of invasive species close to and far from both types of trails. These findings suggest that humans may not have a significant role in the spread of invasive species along trails, and there may be other factors that affect the distribution in densities of invasive plants. Despite this, the findings support the need for more public awareness, and targeted management strategies in areas that are the most affected.
