It matters to them
See how these James River Park dwellers are affected by invasive plants.
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The zebra swallowtail cannot reproduce without Spicebush and Sassafras which are its “host plants.”
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Chelone glabra, a showy native plant with white blooms, is being crowded out of its favorite damp haunts by invasive species.
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Spotted salamanders depend on healthy forests and vernal pools for shelter and breeding.
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Love the park? Here's a chance to help
How many volunteers does it take to fight invasive plants, save trees and native plant communities, and restore habitat?
More.
The JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force is a volunteer effort. The park of the future depends on the volunteers of today. It just takes a can-do attitude and willingness to get your hands dirty. We’ll provide the training and tools. Check out our calendar for upcoming work days.
Please do not undertake unauthorized invasive removal in the park system on your own. The Task Force works strategically in targeted places according to evidence-based methods specific to the invasive species, seasonal timing, and other factors, prioritizing key goals and protecting sensitive resources.
See where invasives impact the James River
What's new with the Task Force
Updates on Focus Project Areas
The list of Focus Project Areas is:
- Belle Island
- Pony Pasture
- Chapel Island
- Huguenot Flatwater
- Texas Beach
- Heritage Half Acre (Reedy Creek – Lee Bridge Study Area)
- Reedy Creek
- Buttermilk Trail West
- Wetlands
Updated information coming soon.
Last updated
Rainy Day Virtual-Visit to Chapel Island with JRA
March 29, 2020
The James River Association is a lead organizational partner of the JRPS Invasive Task Force and has been stewarding Chapel Island since 2014! Check out what’s blooming on Chapel Island this month and enjoy some scenes from the James River in this video by Amber Ellis, JRA’s Senior Watershed Restoration Manager. Watch: Rainy Walk on … Continue reading Rainy Day Virtual-Visit to Chapel Island with JRA Read more
2/23 – 2/29: Task Force Hosts National Invasive Species Awareness Week Events!
February 14, 2020
For the third consecutive year the JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force will make National Invasive Species Awareness Week a local happening. Please join us at one (or more!) of our volunteer opportunities, walks, or talks. Check the calendar for details (coming soon!). SUNDAY 2/23 1:00-4:00 p.m. Pony Pasture Invasive Ecology 101: stop by our tent … Continue reading 2/23 – 2/29: Task Force Hosts National Invasive Species Awareness Week Events! Read more
Sometimes Invasive Plant Warriors Are Four-Legged
October 13, 2019
The JRPS Invasive Task Force recently enlisted professional help with battling invasive plant cover, primarily wintercreeper vines and Chinese privet shrubs, at Huguenot Woods Flatwater, the westernmost unit of the James River Park System. Twenty-one goats and sheep plus “watchdonkey” Ruth Ann from RVA Goats were stationed for nearly two weeks near the canoe and … Continue reading Sometimes Invasive Plant Warriors Are Four-Legged Read more
