Invasive Species Resources

Plants

PLANTS

Barberry
Invasive Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) spreads by seeds and is found to harbor wildlife that carry ticks and thus Lyme disease.

Invasive Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) spreads by seeds and is found to harbor wildlife that carry ticks and thus Lyme disease.

Description More Information Contact
Master Gardeners assist with plant identification and help solve plant, pest, and disease problems Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners

Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk
General information, plant recommendations, volunteer opportunities

Invasive Management Area Program - Fairfax County Park Authority

Support the Invasive Management Area Program, Fairfax County Park Foundation

Our Stories and Perspectives blog posts - Invasive Species

Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-8702 | TTY 711
Promoting healthy forests through native tree selection and diversity

Forest Health – Prevention and Treatment of Diseases and Infestations, Urban Forest Management Division

Urban Forester of the Day:
treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711
Identification and technical support for invasive plants affecting ponds Technical Information and Services, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1460 | TTY 711

Description More Information Contact

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.

Great for Scout Projects and Corporate group activities.

Invasive Management Area Program - Fairfax County Park Authority

Support the Invasive Management Area Program, Fairfax County Park Foundation

Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-8702 | TTY 711

Description More Information Contact
Master Gardeners - Our agricultural/natural resources programs offer advice and assistance on a variety of topics - from landscaping, soil and fruit/vegetable/flower plants to the proper use of pesticides and water quality. Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners

Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners, Park Authority

Virginia Cooperative Extension | Neighborhood and Community Services

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) can help you find information on planning your backyard landscaping including plant selection and planting for best erosion control. Landscape and Gardening - You and Your Land, NVSWCD

Plants for Erosion Control - Solving Drainage and Erosion Problems, NVSWCD
ConservationDistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1460 | TTY 711
Urban Forest Management provides resources on choosing the right tree for the right place. Tree Selection, Public Works and Environmental Services Urban Forester of the Day:
treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-1770 | TTY 711
Green Spring Gardens connects the community to natural and cultural resources through horticulture, education, and stewardship. See detailed Native Plant information sheets Gardening Resources, Park Authority Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-642-5173 | TTY 711

Not all invasive species are the same. Early detection and reporting to the appropriate organization is important to controlling the spread. Reporting requirements depend on the specific species, their establishment, distribution, and impacts within Virginia.

Description More Information Contact
Alien Invaders - There are exotic plants and animals from all over the world taking over our environment. This program reviews the difference between native and invasive species. Students will understand the qualities that make invasive species destructive, discuss ways to remove invasive species and prevent new species from invading our landscape. Urban Forestry Education Programs, Public Works and Environmental Services Urban Forester of the Day:
treemail@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703-324-1770 | TTY 711

Description More Information Contact
There is no shortage of great ideas, however without a bit of organization and financial backing many ideas never become reality. That's where the Fairfax County Park Authority's Mastenbrook Grant Program makes a difference. Mastenbrook Grants: Good for Parks, Park Authority FCPAParkMaintenance@fairfaxcounty.gov
703-324-8740 | TTY 711
The Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP) is an urban cost-share program that provides financial incentives and technical and educational assistance to property owners installing eligible Best Management Practices (BMPs) in Virginia’s participating Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) Virginia Conservation Assistance Program for Individual Property Owners, Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District ConservationDistrict@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 a sign adults will soon follow. *

Wingless red, black and white Spotted lanternfly nymphs are a sign adults will soon follow.
Photo credit Richard Gardner, Bugwood.org

Description More Information Contact
Master Gardeners provide assistance with species identification and assist with solving plant, pest, and disease problems Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Master Gardeners
Virginia Cooperative Extension

Fairfax Gardening Help Desk

* Species listed as “Naturalized” in Virginia. "Naturalized" means those species and subspecies of animals not originally native to Virginia that have established wild, self-sustaining populations. Species can be both naturalized and invasive and the reporting requirements will depend on the specific species, their establishment, distribution, and impacts within Virginia.

Be On the Lookout The following animals have not been confirmed in Fairfax County. If you see any of these species, please report the sighting to the listed organization.

diseases

DISEASES

beech bark disease
Fruiting bodies of beech bark disease mark the end stages of a fatal threat to a common native tree.

Fruiting bodies of beech bark disease mark the end stages of a fatal threat to a common native tree.

environmentalOrgs
eventsActivities
videosPodcasts
Fairfax Virtual Assistant