Help Stop Invasive Species during National Invasive Species Awareness Week — February 24 -February 28, 2025.
The annual National Invasive Species Awareness Week (NISAW) is a national event held this week in Washington DC, February 24 through February 28, to raise awareness about invasive species, the threat that they pose and what can be done to prevent their spread.
Representatives from local, state, federal and regional organizations discuss legislation, policies and improvements that can be made to prevent and manage invasive species, reports Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society (NNVNPS) Invasive Species Initiative member, Karen Williams. The term “invasive” is used for aggressive non-native species that spread and reproduce rapidly, displace native species and cause major disturbance to the areas in which they are present, said Williams. Invasive species can cause irreversible harm to the environment and the economy and often pose a threat to plant, animal and human health.
Local environmental organizations are very concerned about invasives such as English ivy, Japanese stiltgrass, Japanese honeysuckle and phragmites which are highly visible in the landscapes or our waterfronts. These are just a few of the 90 invasive species identified by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Natural Heritage that easily spread from one private properties to another as well as into the Northern Neck’s state parks and natural area preserves continued Williams. All of the Northern Neck’s state parks (Belle Isle, Westmoreland and Caledon) and our natural area preserves (Hughlett Point, Dameron Marsh, Hickory Hollow, and Bush Mill Stream) are negatively affected by the spread of invasives
Climate change, food security, and the loss of wild places are all made worse when invasive species alter the natural balance of our waters and lands.
Everyone can do something to prevent the spread of invasive species The NNVNPS Invasive plant initiative (NN PRISM) urges Northern Neck landowners to survey their property for invasive plant species and begin the process of removing them. Identification apps such as Picture This or Seek by iNaturalist are available. Invasive Species Fact Sheets for identification and control also are available from the Department of Conservation and Recreation at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/ natural-heritage/invsppdflist.
Most effective practices begin with individual land owners identifying invasives that are on their properties whether they have small yards or larger parcels of several acres. It is important to utilize best practices that are tailored to specific plants and may include biological, mechanical, chemical and seasonal considerations. It is no small task to deal with pervasive invasive plants and may require repeated applications and a mix of controls.
All landowners are encouraged to be informed consumers if they are purchasing plants from nurseries or landscapers. Many invasives are available for sale and sellers are not always as informed as they should be about the plants they sell. Always ask about the invasive status!
All Virginians are urged to contact their local, state and national legislators to advocate for the inclusion of policy and legislation geared toward effective management and removal of invasive species.
Northern Neck Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society Invasive Plant Initiative
Contact: Nancy Garvey 804-436-8401 nangarvey@hotmail.com
NN Chapter of the Virginia Native Plant Society’s mission is to promote native plants through conservation, education and restoration. Our Invasive plant initiative (NN PRISM)coordinates with Virginia’s first and largest cooperative weed management program, the Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (Blue Ridge PRISM) to promote the removal of invasive plants and provide information on native alternatives. This very active 501 (c) (3) charity can be found at https://blueridgeprism.org/.
NAISMA’s mission is to empower invasive species management in North America. Since 1993, NAISMA has been growing programs that bridge jurisdictional and geographic divides. In addition to organizing a variety of professional development opportunities, the Certified Weed Free Products program, and operating the PlayCleanGo® program, NAISMA is the lead coordinator of NISAW. Learn more at naisma.org and nisaw.org.
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