PARK NEWS

FIND A PARK

FIND AN ACTIVITY

ADMINISTRATION

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

 

Invasive Management Area   Take Back the Forest 2013 The Fairfax County Park Authority’s Invasive Management Area (IMA) program seeks volunteers to help Take Back the Forest this spring now through May 31. For the second year in a row, thanks in part to a grant from community partner REI, volunteers will help restore parkland during events held at IMA sites around the county. This year IMA plans to host 625 volunteers during this two-month period, and there is always room for more helping hands. IMA volunteers will remove non-native invasive plants and replace them with native species. The work is hard but important. Invasive plants cause ecological harm by out-competing native plants and altering the way an ecosystem functions. This can lead to fewer birds and wildlife, as well as other negative effects on natural processes. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, all volunteers will receive a free Take Back the Forest t-shirt. The IMA calendar is full of opportunities to volunteer, but here are three big events coming up: Earth Week, April 20 - 27: This is a special week to celebrate the earth! It includes both Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26). Many IMA sites have workdays scheduled that week. Global Youth Service Day, April 27: Various sites will offer volunteer opportunities to cut, pull, and bag invasive species, help save trees, and return the natural balance to our forests. Virginia’s Annual Invasive Plant Removal Day, May 4: Events will be held statewide over a two-week period. Most IMA sites will focus on the removal of garlic mustard, a biennial herb which threatens native plants and animals in forest communities by outcompeting native plants with copious amounts of seed and by secreting a chemical that prevents the germination of other plants. This is a plant that is easy for even the youngest nature lover to pull! If you have any questions or would like to RSVP for an event, contact IMA Coordinator Erin Stockschlaeder by phone 703-324-8681 or email Erin.Stockschlaeder@fairfaxcounty.gov. Check the calendar of events for other opportunities. IMA Leader and volunteers remove kudzu from Lake Accotink Park. IMA Volunteer Options IMA Volunteer JOB TITLE: Invasive Management Area Volunteer. GOAL: To contribute to the preservation and management of the county's natural resources by volunteering for Invasive Management Area Site workdays. RESPONSIBILITIES: Applicants volunteer to remove invasive plants and help restore sites with native plantings. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants must be hard-working. Must be at least 12 years of age. Number of volunteers per site is limited, please contact site leader for specifics. TRAINING: Invasive plant identification and removal techniques will be taught at the beginning of the workday to enable the volunteer to remove the proper plants. TIME COMMITMENT: Workdays normally run two to three hours, but any time is appreciated. Check out our calendar to see what sites are convenient or are hosting workdays when you are available. Contact us by email, or call 703-324-8681 for workday details (time, place, directions…) Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, long pants and long sleeves, and bring some water. Tools are provided. Enjoy the company of others who care about the environment while learning about our local forests.