The Virginia Department of Forestry has awarded the National Capital Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (NatCap PRISM) an $80,000 grant to manage invasive plants across the region. The Fairfax County Park Authority will use the funding to conserve wildlife habitat, restore natural areas and expand public education about forest health.

Through NatCap PRISM, the grant will enable FCPA to deploy a specialized strike team to control invasive species on more than 100 acres of parkland. The team’s focus will be on Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program species, which spread quickly and threaten native plants. The project also funds follow-up restoration at previously treated sites to protect recovery progress and enhances community outreach with new on-site signage, an article in the Bay Journal and repairs to boot brush stations that reduce the spread of invasive seeds. 

Get involved 

Residents play a critical role in keeping parks healthy. Learn how to spot and reduce invasive plants in your yard. Learn more about volunteering at a workday and explore native alternatives by visiting the Invasive Management Area Program website.

Invasive Management Area (IMA) funding is provided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Environmental Improve Plan in support of the board’s Environmental Vision. The County’s Environmental Vision helps to guide environmental sustainability initiatives, strategies, policies and programs. Visit the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors website for more details. 

The IMA Program is also supported in part 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.