Protecting Our Ecosystems, Preserving Our Future

Steeped in natural beauty and biodiversity, Richmond is gearing up for an important event that aims to shed light on a critical environmental issue – invasive species.

Last year the City of Richmond declared March to be Invasive Species Awareness Month. Hosted by the James River Park Invasive Plant Task Force (IPTF), Richmond Invasive Species Awareness Week (RISAW), scheduled for Sunday, March 3rd – Saturday March 9th 2024, seeks to educate and empower the community to tackle the growing threat posed by invasive species to our local ecosystems.

The Invasive Plant Task Force works in partnership with the James River Park System to curb invasive species’ impact on Richmond’s unique flora and fauna within the urban park. Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or microorganisms that, when introduced to a new environment, cause harm to the ecosystem, economy, or human health. The James River Park System alone has over 50 invasive plant species throughout the Park that threaten trees, water and soil quality, and native bugs, birds and flowers.

Since 2015 the Invasive Plant Task Force has worked to conserve native biohabitat by quelling dominant invasive plant species throughout the Park while engaging with the community to educate folks on their role in preventing the spread of invasive plant species.

The week-long awareness initiative will feature a series of engaging and informative activities, including opportunities to learn about and engage in invasive plant removal, educational nature walks, a children’s story hour, a film screening and more. Local environmental organizations, ecologists, botanists, and community leaders will collaborate to provide valuable insights into the identification, prevention, and management of invasive species. And don’t forget, the IPTF’s annual Boogie For The Biosphere party at Basic City Beer on Friday, March 8, 2024.

RISAW will be a week of engaging experiences for all ages. By fostering a deeper understanding of invasive species and encouraging community involvement, we can collectively take steps to protect our local ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Join us in this crucial initiative and be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable Richmond.

Click on the flyer below to download a copy!