Department of Parks and Recreation
Resources on Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are troublesome on public and private property. Following is a list of resources that can provide information on the identification, control of invasive plant species and removal programs for them.
- Controlling English Ivy (PDF Format)
- Invaders in Our Backyards (PDF Format)
- Japanese Stilt Grass Alert
- Life-Saver English Ivy Removal Method for Homeowners (PDF Format)
- Mistaken Identity?: Invasive Plants and their Native Look-Alikes (PDF Format)
- Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas
- Potomac Watershed Invasive Species and Alternative Plants (Brochure & Wallet Card) (PDF Format)
- Removing English Ivy: Practical Advice for Home Owners (PDF Format)
Additional Resources For Invasive Plant Information
Virginia Native Plant Society - VNPS works to preserve native plants in VA. Their website provides a list of local nurseries that sell native plants and has a publication entitled Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration and Landscaping.
National Invasive Species Information Center - On this site you can learn about the impacts of invasive species and the Federal governments response, as well as read select species profiles and find links to agencies and organizations dealing with invasive species issues.
Invasive Alien Plant Species of Virginia - Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation maintains an advisory list of invasive species found in Virginia and has facts sheets on several species.
Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council - MA-EPPC addresses the problem of invasive exotic plants at a regional level. This site includes an invasive plant list and slideshow.
Federal Interagency Committee for the Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds - FICMNEW is a partnership between 16 federal agencies with invasive plant management and regulatory responsibilities.
National Park Services - Weeds Gone Wild an informative site with fact sheet for some top invaders. Also see the NPS and USFWS booklet Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas.
Ecovisions English Ivy DVD - Ecovisions is a non-profit organization that develops environmental education videos and recently completed one on English Ivy. This program profiles one plant coiling across America: English Ivy (Hedera spp.) Many conservationists on both sides of the country consider English ivy a threat to our natural heritage. But ivy is also a popular ornamental with a long cultural history. This dvd features volunteers and specialists from across the country and includes a brief appearance by Chris Zimmerman, County Board Chair, and some shots of Arlington volunteers including Brian Werner's instruction on how he mechanically removes English Ivy from his yard. Contact Ron Nelson of Ecovisions for more information about this DVD.
Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health - This website aims to provide an accessible and easily used archive of high quality images related to invasive and exotic species, with particular emphasis on educational applications.
Resources for Native Plants
American Beauties Native Plants - American Beauties native plants® is a program that offers proven solutions for your landscape while creating beautiful garden habitats for desirable wildlife. They take the guess work out of native plant gardening by providing plants and landscape solutions that fit your site. Use this website to plan out and design your garden, select native plants based on your local, and find nurseries that carry the plants.
Bringing Nature Home – Learn how you can sustain wildlife with native plants from expert Douglas Tallamy. The website includes a tool to get suggestions on what to plant based on where you live.
Local Organizations
The following is a list of local organizations working with Arlington invasive plant program on invasive plant education and control work.
Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment - ACE works to improve the environment of Arlington County. Volunteer opportunities include stream clean ups, Neighborhood Watershed Stewardship Teams, Storm Drain markings and invasive plan removals. ACE also provides leadership for Arlington's Community Wildlife Habitat Program.
Arlington Nature Centers - The Gulf Branch and Long Branch Nature Centers provide a full range of indoor and outdoor nature programs including lectures, naturalist-led trail hikes, craft demonstrations, field studies, audio/visual presentations and specialized group programs.
Arlington Regional Parks - Invasive plant control efforts are also ongoing at Upton Hill and Potomac Overlook Regional Parks.
Northern Virginia Conservation Trust - NVCT is a nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural and historic resources of Northern Virginia.
Potomac Conservancy - The Potomac Conservancy protects lands vital to the health, beauty, and enjoyment of the Potomac River and its tributaries.
Arlington Regional Master Naturalists - ARMN is an all volunteer-organization whose mission is to train and certify a corps of volunteers to provide education, research, citizen science, outreach, and stewardship of Virginia’s natural resources and public lands.
Alienweeds - Alienweeds' goal is to over-harvest the bounty, process all weedy material available - and move on to adjacent areas of abundance. Art is made from the pigments, cordage, wood, and paper fibers derived from local invasive plants removed to help restore the native plant and animal communities.
Virginia Native Plant Society Potowmack chapter - Arlington/Fairfax chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society. Check here for scheduled lectures, nature hikes and invasives removal events.
CONTACT US
Invasive Plant Coordinator
Sarah Archer
Phone: 703-228-1862
