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Fairfax County, Virginia
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  1. Home
  2. Public Works and Environmental Services
  3. Invasive Species
  4. Invasive Species Resources and Reporting

Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:

Invasive Species Resources and Reporting

Alabama Bass (Micropterus henshalli)

If you know about Alabama or Spotted Bass stockings, contact DWR law enforcement at 800-237-5712 or WildCrime@dwr.virginia.gov.
If you think you’ve caught an Alabama Bass:

  1. Take a picture of the fish.
  2. Clip a small piece of a pelvic fin (located under the fish's head).
  3. Store the fin clip dry in an envelope.
  4. Contact DWR at fisheries@dwr.virginia.gov or call 804-367-1293.

Feral Pigs (wild pigs, hogs, or boar)

Report sightings or evidence of feral hogs or loose domestic (livestock) hogs to the Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 1-855-571-9003.

Northern snakehead (Channa argus)

Report snakehead catches to the Virginia DWR snakehead hotline at 804-367-2925. Anglers are not required to kill snakeheads if released immediately. However, if kept, the fish must be killed. The angler must then report their name, catch date, location, and fish size. The DWR encourages harvesting snakeheads.

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

Report nutria sightings to the Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute. If possible, include a photo with your request.

Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

The Red-eared slider is a non-native, naturalized turtle. As of July 1, 2021, it cannot be taken or kept for private use. Owners with legal possession had to register them with the Virginia DWR by January 1, 2022.

See the USGS species profile for more details.

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Report zebra mussel sightings to the Virginia DWR at 804-367-6913.

If you want to learn about invasive species, the resources listed on this page can help. You can ask questions, find information, volunteer, plan your garden, join a student program, or apply for a grant.

Not all invasive species are the same, so it’s important to spot and report them early to the right group. This helps stop them from spreading. What you need to report depends on the species, where they are and how far they've spread. It also depends on the species impact in Virginia.

One reporting method includes Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR). This system locates invasive species to help remove them before they spread. Sending EDRR species reports to tools like EDDMapS or iNaturalist helps local experts track these plants across the U.S.

On This Page

Plants

Animals & Insects

Diseases

Organizations and Acronyms

Events and Activities

Videos and Podcasts

Plants

PLANTS

Barberry

Invasive Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is closely linked with tick populations. Some ticks can lead to Lyme disease.

DescriptionMore InformationContact
Master Gardeners: Experts can help identify plants and offer advice to solve pest or disease problems.Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners

Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk
Blog: FCPA posts provide information on a range of topics including invasive species Our Stories and Perspectives blog posts. Search for Invasive.Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-8700 | TTY 711
Healthy Forests: Promote healthy forests by selecting diverse native trees.Forest Health – Prevention and Treatment of Diseases and InfestationsUrban and Community Forestry Division:
treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711
Invasive Plants in Ponds: Find out more about recognizing and dealing with invasive aquatic plants.Technical Information and Services, NVSWCDConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1460 | TTY 711

DescriptionMore InformationContact
EDDMapS is an online tool for tracking invasive species and pests.EDDMapSBugwood Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health - University of Georgia
The Early Detection and Rapid Response (EDRR) program identifies and removes new invasive plants in county parks before they spread and cause major harm.Early Detection and Rapid ResponseParkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-8702 | TTY 711
Master Gardeners are trained help desk staff who offer guidance on reporting invasive species.Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners

Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

Use the "Watch the Green Grow" app to track eco-friendly yard practices. Upload photos to show progress and add a green spot to the county map.Watch the Green GrowParkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-8702 | TTY 711
Report invasive trees, insects, or diseases to Urban and Community Forestry.Forest Pests - Insects and Diseasestreemail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1770 | TTY 711
Report plants blocking storm drains to Maintenance and Stormwater Management.Maintenance and InspectionsContact Maintenance and Stormwater Management
Report invasive plants at stream restoration sites to Stormwater PlanningStormwater Improvement Projectsswpdmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-5500 | TTY 711
Report Two-horned Trapa to USGS.Trapa bispinosa Early Detection and Eradication
NVSWCD
USGS - Sighting Reporting Form
Use Crowd-sourcing apps to report and track invasive species.iNaturalist
EDDMapS
 

DescriptionMore InformationContact

The Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program is a community-based project to help remove invasive plants from local parks. It’s a chance to work with others who care about nature while helping protect Fairfax County’s forests and wildlife. Volunteers get to enjoy the outdoors, meet new people, and restore natural habitats.

Perfect for Scout projects and corporate group activities!

Invasive Management Area Program - FCPA

Support the Invasive Management Area Program, FCPF

Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-8700 | TTY 711

DescriptionMore InformationContact
Master Gardeners provide advice on landscaping, fruit, vegetable, and flower gardening, improving soil, using pesticides safely, and protecting water quality.Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners

Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

NVSWCD can help you plan your home landscaping. Select the right plants for the right place in your yard to reduce erosion.Landscape and Gardening - You and Your Land

Plants for Erosion Control - Solving Drainage and Erosion Problems
ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1460 | TTY 711
Urban and Community Forestry helps you choose the right tree for the right place.Tree Selectiontreemail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1770 | TTY 711
Green Spring Gardens helps the community learn about nature and culture through gardening, education, and care for the environment. Check out their detailed Native Plant information sheets!Gardening ResourcesParkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-642-5173 | TTY 711

DescriptionMore InformationContact
Alien Invaders: Learn about plants and animals harming our environment. This program teaches the difference between native and invasive species and why invasives are harmful. It also teaches how to remove and prevent them.Urban Forestry Education Programstreemail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711

DescriptionMore InformationContact
Great ideas often need funding and organization to succeed. The FCPA's Mastenbrook Grant Program helps turn those ideas into reality.Mastenbrook Grants: Good for ParksFCPAParkMaintenance@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-8740 | TTY 711
NVSWCD administers a grant from Fairfax County to control Trapa. This funding can be used in HOAs, places of worship, parks, and schools. This program is in partnership with FCPA and DPWES.NVSWCDConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1460 | TTY 711
Animals

ANIMALS & INSECTS

Spotted Lanternfly, photo credit Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Wingless red, black, and white Spotted Lanternfly nymphs are shown along with adults.
Photo credit Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Description More Information Contact
Master Gardeners: Experts can help identify plants and offer advice to solve pest or disease problems. Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

Species More Information Contact

Asian Longhorned Beetle

Emerald Ash Borer

Fall Cankerworm

Hemlock Wooly Adelgid

Spongy Moth

Spotted Lanternfly

Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases

pestmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711

Box Tree Moth

Box Tree Moth | VCE Publications | Virginia Tech

Box Tree Moth in the United States | VCE Publications | Virginia Tech

Invasive Species Reporting tool | VDACS

* Species listed as “Naturalized” in Virginia. "Naturalized" species in Virginia are non-native animals that have formed wild, self-sustaining populations. Some may also be invasive, with reporting requirements depending on their species, spread, and impact

Species (click for important restrictions) More Information Contact
Primary contact for wildlife DWR, Invasive Species Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline 855-571-9003
Alabama bass *
(Micropterus henshalli)
Naturalized
DWR Alabama Bass Intentional Stocking: Contact DWR law enforcement at 800-237-5712 or WildCrime@dwr.virginia.gov

Suspected Capture: DWR at fisheries@dwr.virginia.gov or at 804-367-1293.
Feral Pigs (swine – feral pigs/hogs, wild pigs, wild boar, etc.)
(Sus scrofa)
DWR, Wildlife, Feral-hogs

DWR, Feral Hog Hunting FAQ

Wild Boar | National Invasive Species Information Center
Virginia Wildlife Conflict Helpline 855-571-9003
Hammerhead Worms
(Bipalium kewense)
USDA, Hammerhead Worm

iNaturalist

EDDMapS

Northern Snakehead *
(Channa argus)
Naturalized
DWR Fishing, Snakehead

DPWES Snakehead Distribution Sampling Map

Northern Snakehead | National Invasive Species Information Center
DWR Snakehead hotline, 804-367-2925
Nutria *
(Myocastor caypus)
Naturalized
DWR, Blog, Menace of the Marsh

Nutria | National Invasive Species Information Center
Virginia Tech Conservation Management Institute
Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)
(Solenopsis invicta Buren)
VDACS, Imported Fire Ant

VCE Red Imported Fire Ant

USDA, Imported Fire Ants

Invasive Species Information Center, Red Imported Fire Ant
VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services, 804-786-3515
Red-eared slider *
(Trachemys scripta elegans)
Naturalized
DWR, Red-eared Slider

Red-Eared Slider | National Invasive Species Information Center
Species is listed as Naturalized in Virginia and red-eared sliders are found throughout Fairfax County. Sightings do not need to be reported. Red-eared sliders may not be taken or possessed in any number for private use (4VAC15-360-10) unless previously registered with the DWR.
Zebra mussel
(Dreissena polymorpha)
DWR, Wildlife, Zebra Mussels

Zebra Mussel | National Invasive Species Information Center
DWR, 804-367-6913
diseases

DISEASES

beech bark disease

This fungus marks the final stage of beech bark disease.

Description More Information Contact
Master Gardeners are trained help desk staff who offer guidance on reporting invasive species. Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

Species More Information Contact

Beech Leaf Disease (BLD)

Sudden Oak Death (SOD)

Thousand cankers disease (TCD)

Forest Pests - Insects and Diseases

pestmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711

environmentalOrgs

ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS

More Information
Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES)
Environmental Committee | Board Of Supervisors (BOS)
Environmental Quality Advisory Council | Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (EQAC | OEEC)
Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)
Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF)
Fairfax County Tree Commission
Fairfax County Wildlife Management
Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD)

More Information
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE)
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS)
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF)
Virginia Invasive Species

More Information
US Geological Survey (USGS) - Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

More Information
Blue Ridge PRISM Inc (blueridgeprism.org)
Earth Sangha (earthsangha.org)
Fairfax Master Naturalists (fairfaxmasternaturalists.org)
Friends of Accotink Creek (accotink.org)
Nature Forward (natureforward.org)
Northern Virginia Bird Alliance (nvbirdalliance.org)
Plant Northern Virginia (NOVA) Natives (plantnovanatives.org)
Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition (virginiainvasives.org)
Virginia Native Plant Society - Conserving Wild Flowers & Places (vnps.org)

Identifying Invasive Species

Use guides or apps if you're unsure whether a species is invasive.

Recognizing Invasive Species

eventsActivities
videosPodcasts

Events and Activities

Videos and Podcasts

More About Invasive Species

Species

Invasive Species Home
Plants
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Recognize
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More About

Why It Matters
What You Can Do
Working Together
IMA volunteers
  • Invasive Management Area Volunteer Calendar
  • Native Seedling Sale
  • Green Spring Gardens Plant Sale
Invasive removal video
  • Video - Nonnative Invasive Removal Training
  • Video Playlist - Invasive Management Area (IMA)
  • EnviroPod - Improve the Environment by Installing Native Plants
  • EnviroPod - Invasive Management Area
  • EnviroPod - The Growing Threat of the Spotted Lanternfly
  • Identificación y Remoción de Plantas Invasoras

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