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 with over 90 Volunteer Site Leader. More acres have been treated and restored by contractors and staff.
Learn about the Early Detection and Early Response ProgramInvasive species are, generally, non-native species that cause ecological or economic harm. They share certain characteristics, such as being able to mature quickly and generate many offspring, and they can tolerate a range of habitats. For example, Japanese stiltgrass can produce seed in as little as 1% sunlight.
Because they can successfully grow in new territory, invasive species make terrible neighbors. They out-compete native species for the same resources, eventually reducing the populations of native species and, in some cases, even eliminating species from a community altogether. Some invasive species have more complicated effects that send ramifications up the food chain. That leads to fewer native birds and less wildlife. The third main impact of invasive species is their ability to alter the natural functions of a plant community or an ecosystem by changing soil conditions. Soil conditions are one factor in determining which plants can grow in a specific place.
The Early Detection and Rapid Response program finds new populations of certain invasive species as they are starting to invade an area and then eradicates them before they cause serious harm in county parks.
Invasive Management Area funding is provided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in support of the board’s Environmental Agenda. Grants were provided by REI, Inc., in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. The IMA program also is supported in part by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
To learn how private and corporate donations help restore parkland habitat, please visit the Park Foundation website.
Invasive 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 Gloria Medina or call at 703-324-6525.
View this StoryMap created by two IMA Site Leaders using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) to learn more about how the IMA Program works.
Wear sturdy shoes, gloves, long pants and long sleeves. Bring water. Tools are provided.
Enjoy the company of others who care about the environment while learning about your local forests.
The Early Detection and Rapid Response program finds new populations of certain invasive species as they are starting to invade an area and then eradicates them before they cause serious harm in county parks.
Tree Rescuers work independently to clip vines and give trees time.
“For me, IMA is about people of all socio-demographic backgrounds who share a passion for volunteering to protect Fairfax County parks.”
“This program allows for tool, plants, seeds, and bags to be distributed to volunteers so they can do the hard work of removing invasive plants from our parks.”
“This program is an excellent way for volunteers to eradicate weeds such as English ivy, oriental bittersweet, garlic mustard, and Chinese wisteria from the county parks while providing participants with education about these species, benefits of natives, and how to improve water quality.”
“The support I received from the IMA program, including professional assistance, and tangible items like plastic bags, gloves and the use of tools, was amazing.”
Josiah T. Williams, Troop 1257 - Oakton, VA. Date of Project: 7/02/2021
Powhatan District, NCAC
Description
Josiah Williams led an Eagle Scout project with the help of Boy Scouts Troop 1257 to remove invasive plants from parkland. The project was completed at the IMA Site at Little Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, in Herndon, VA. Please contact the Park Authority IMA Program before removing any plants.
Invasive plants removed in the project include:
Photo credits: Josiah Williams
We thank our many partners for their continued support of IMA.