Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources
Invasive Plant Program
What Are We Doing About It?
The Arlington County Invasive Plant Program tackles the problem of invasive plants in Arlington. The Invasive Plant Program is funded by Arlington County PRCR and run through the Virginia Cooperative Extension. This allows for a close working relationship between the Cooperative Extension and Arlington Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources on the invasive plant issue and maximizes the use of educational and practical expertise from both organizations.
Why Do People Want To Control Invasive Plants In Arlington?
- To conserve trees and promote natural regeneration.
- To maintain and restore healthy riparian vegetation along streams.
- To preserve native plant populations.
- To improve aesthetic and recreational value of public lands.
- To provide habitat for native wildlife.
Join the Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) volunteer group in Arlington County. This group supports the Arlington County Invasive Plant Program. RiP volunteers help control invasive plants in Arlington by taking part in hands-on removal of invasive plants from County property, assisting with education efforts, helping with surveys, mapping of target areas and/or program development. All ages and abilities welcome. Join RiP!
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer and Staff Work Locations
- Volunteer Hours by Park
- Join RiP
- Additional Resources and Local Organizations
A New Brand of Volunteers to the Rescue
On Saturday, November 14th, the Arlington County Board approved receipt of a $62,823 state grant to help fund the work of six AmeriCorps members over the next 11 months. The team has been tasked with assisting in the restoration of Four Mile Run watershed, which includes just over half of the county's land. Their first priority is to put a sizable dent in the county's growing problem of invasive plants.
County staff from the Parks Division and staff of the Invasive Plant Control Program wasted no time by getting the members signed-in and started the following Monday morning. But the crew quickly embraced their mission and hit the ground running. The team consists of very mixed backgrounds, experiences and personalities but are bonding quickly and working hard.
Each of the members will receive a stipend of $11,400 over the coming year for their service. Upon completing at least 1,700 hours of service, members have the option of either receiving a cash payment of $1,200, or receiving a $4,725 Segal Education Award, that can be used to pay educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Eighty-six institutions across the county provide a dollar-for-dollar match for Segal Education Award money.
To learn more about the team and follow them in their quest to restore nature to Four Mile Run watershed, you can follow them on Facebook.
CONTACT US
Invasive Plant Control
Jenn Truong
3308 S. Stafford St.
Arlington, VA 22206
Phone: 703-228-7636
INVASIVE SPECIES
