Working Together on Invasive Species

While Fairfax County and its partners work hard to provide the best services for controlling invasive species, we rely on the engaged residents of Fairfax to support our efforts to identify, manage, and control invasive species. Learn more about the County's work and discover numerous opportunities for you to get involved!

What We Are Doing

Though not an inclusive list, learn more about some of the efforts being made by Fairfax County to control invasive species.

Invasive Management Area is a Fairfax County Park Authority volunteer program that battles invasive species, removing them and replacing them with native species.

Operation Stream Shield is a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Environmental and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness to provide assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness and to keep streams clean through the removal of litter and non-native invasive plant species.


Forest Pests and Diseases The Forest Pest Branch monitors for, provides control of and provides outreach and education about a number of forest insect pests and diseases. 

Helping Our Land Heal is a Park Authority program to restore natural areas on park lands. Helping Our Land Heal rebuilds, repairs and maintains quality natural areas.

Watch the Green Grow encourages the good work you do on your property to benefit our natural areas including a mapping application to record environmentally friendly practices in your yard.

Countywide Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy Outcomes

Our collective work on invasive species helps Fairfax County make progress on our Countywide Strategic Plan through our environmental policies and practices that support air, water and land quality. It is important for people to have the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment, and that residents, businesses, county employees and visitors share in the responsibility to improve environmental outcomes.

Visit Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy Outcomes

What You Can Do

You can take action in many ways by

  • Being informed and spreading the word
  • Preventing and Managing invasive species on your property
  • Getting involved through volunteering
  • Being pet and tree friendly
  • Reporting invasive species 
Visit What You Can Do About Invasive Species

Understand Your Responsibilities

Understand your responsibilities regarding invasive species under the plans and policies of Fairfax County and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Visit Know Your Invasive Species Responsibilities

Publications and Reports

Environmental Vision

2022 Annual Report on the Environment | Environmental Quality Advisory Council

2023 Forest Pest Annual Report | Department of Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County Invasive Plant Assessment -  This Fairfax County Park Authority report summarizes the intervention methodologies recommended for implementing the comprehensive response strategy.

Natural Resource Management Plan | Park Authority - Read the formal plan that guides Fairfax County's natural resource management decisions.

Boards, Authorities and Commissions

The Fairfax County Environmental Committee | Board Of Supervisors works on and discusses county and regional programs, policies, and efforts that may impact the county and region’s physical environment and sustainability.

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council | Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (EQAC) is an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to provide advice on environmental matters.

The Fairfax County Tree Commission provides advice and support to the BOS regarding urban forest conservation and preservation.

More About Invasive Species

Species

Invasive Species Home
Plants
Animals & Insects
Diseases

How Do I ...

Recognize
Manage
Find Alternative Plants
Report Sightings
Volunteer or Support
Know my Responsibilities
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Why It Matters
What You Can Do
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