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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How many volunteers does it take to fight invasive plants, save trees and native plant communities, and restore habitat?
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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
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
Rootstock Revival at Pony Pasture
September 9, 2019
Sometimes giving biodiversity a boost comes down to the simplest ingredients: digging a hole, watering it, and popping in a scrappy little bundle of roots. Next spring and summer the demonstration restoration area by the rapids and kiosk at Pony Pasture should have some added color – the purple of Virginia Spiderwort (Tradescantia virginiana) and … Continue reading Rootstock Revival at Pony Pasture Read more
National Invasive Species Awareness Week
February 5, 2019
Learning and hands-on opportunities are scheduled in the park system Feb. 24 through March 2 as part of National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Providing advice and hands-on experience will be members of the local volunteer groups making up the park system’s Invasive Plant Task Force. Task Force coordinator Mary Wickham says, “The goal of our … Continue reading National Invasive Species Awareness Week Read more
