In a milestone year for the Fairfax County Park Authority, the agency is celebrating its 75th Anniversary and the 20th Anniversary of the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program.
The IMA Volunteer Program trains and empowers community volunteers to restore parklands, protect wildlife habitats and remove invasive plants that threaten Fairfax County’s forests, meadows and waterways. What began in 2006 as a community-based effort has grown into one of the region’s most impactful, volunteer-driven conservation programs — a powerful example of community-powered stewardship in action.
The program has grown from 10 dedicated IMA volunteer site leaders guiding 400 volunteers to 56 Site Leaders steering more than 4,000 volunteers annually. Additionally, 46 tree rescuers contribute over 900 hours each year to remove invasive vines and protect mature trees. These efforts restore balance to natural ecosystems, protect biodiversity, improve water quality and create healthier habitats for people and wildlife alike.
Be Part of the Next 20 Years
The community is invited to become part of the movement! Get outdoors and meet new friends with hands-on volunteer opportunities at parks across the county. Volunteer opportunities range from 90 minutes to three hours, and anyone 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Longer term commitments are also available.
In celebration of National Invasive Species Awareness Week this week, get ahead of your garden with the "Plant This, Not That.” This helps residents identify invasive plants commonly sold in stores and offers native alternatives that support local ecosystems.
Save the dates for special volunteer events, including the Tree Rescuers Extravaganza, March 21-April 12, and Take Back the Forest events in April and May.
Visit the Invasive Management Area Volunteer Program website to learn more. You can find information on guidance about how to take action, milestone highlights, anniversary storytelling and videos featuring IMA site leaders and volunteers, who are making real change in parks across Fairfax County.
The Invasive Management Area Program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities, and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.