Alert:
The Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program is a community-based project designed to reduce invasive plants on our parklands. This program gives volunteers an opportunity to connect with like-minded people while taking care of natural resources. Through IMA, you’ll protect the plants and wildlife of Fairfax County's forests while spending time outdoors, meeting new people and restoring natural habitats.
IMA is more than just pulling weeds. It’s also habitat restoration and a long-term commitment to parks. Invasive plant species are difficult to remove and control, but with the help of IMA volunteers, undesirable non-native, invasive plants are removed and native plants are returned to the habitat. Native plantings take place in the spring and fall.
The IMA project began in 2006 with 20 sites. Since then, more than 150 acres have come under IMA management, and there are 65 active IMA sites and Volunteer Site Leaders. More acres have been treated and restored by contractors and staff.
Learn about the Early Detection and Early Response ProgramInvasive plants are non-native species that were introduced on purpose or by accident from other regions of the world or the country. Invasive plants often produce huge quantities of seed or have aggressive spreading root systems, allowing them to disperse rapidly into the natural environment. They typically emerge early and mature quickly, which allows them to get established before native plants. Invasive plants can tolerate a range of habitats and grow almost anywhere. For example, Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum) can produce seed in as little as 1% sunlight.
Why are Non-Native Invasive Plants a Problem?
Focus community support and momentum to do something about non-native, invasive plantsInvasive plants prevent us from enjoying our forests. They degrade our natural ecosystems. Ever get stopped in the woods by climbing vines or shrubs with thorns? They may have been invasive species. Some of them, like multiflora rose, can completely swarm over a section of woods and block out everything else.
However, invasives can be thwarted. The Fairfax County Park Authority has a volunteer program that battles invasive species, removing them and replacing them with native species.
Get involved in protecting your local parks. Volunteer for the Invasive Management Area program. Even a few hours on a single day will help.
Students and scouts, do you need to earn some community service hours? IMA is the program for you! Sign up using the IMA Workday Calendar below to get involved.
The IMA calendar is your opportunity to volunteer. Use it to find IMA dates convenient for you. Youth, adults, scouts and groups all help. If you do not see a date that works for you, please contact the IMA coordinator who will happily help place your group.
To join a workday, click on the red IMA Workday Calendar.
Questions about invasive plants? Email: FCPAInvasiveManagement@fairfaxcounty.gov
Questions about volunteering? Contact Anastasia Mejia at Anastasia.Mejia@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 571-363-7356, or Gloria Medina at Gloria.Medina@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-6525
We Need Your Help Saving Trees On ParklandTree Rescuers work independently to clip vines and give trees time.
Scout Name: Varshan Chenthil
George Mason District, NCAC
Description: Varshan Chenthil led an Eagle Scout project focused on habitat restoration and the removal of invasive plants from parkland. The project was completed at the Cunningham Park IMA Site in Vienna, VA. Please contact the Park Authority before removing any plants.
Invasive plants removed in the project include: Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
