Invasive Plant Removal Day

Invasive plants are threatening Virginia's natural areas from Norfolk to the Shenandoahs . Plant invaders alter wildlife habitats and reduce biodiversity. They can kill trees, picture kudzu climbing to the tops of trees, and cost money, like hydrilla depressing fisheries or getting caught in boat props. But volunteers like you can make a difference. In 2009, More than 400 volunteers contributed more than 1300 hours of service and removed more than 250 bags of invasive plants. We need your support again this year.

Thanks for joining in and make a difference on the second annual Virginia Invasive Plant Removal Day on May 1, 2010! Invasives have taken a firm foothold in many parts of the state and your help to reclaim our natural areas was much appreciated.

	*Garlic Mustard (Alliaria officinalis)* Early May is a great time for pulling Garlic mustard in most areas of Virginia where it is present. It is easy for volunteers to identify and easy to pull for all ages without any experience or tools necessary. In most areas of the state, it is also before the plant produces seeds so early removal will reduce the seedbank stores. This plant has high concentrations of allelopathetic chemicals in all parts of the plant so be sure to bag it for the restoration of healthy soils at the site for successful native plant regeneration.
	*English Ivy (Hedera helix)* English Ivy is a very common invasive plant throughout the entire state. It is also an evergreen plant that can be easily seen and identified all year long. So it is a great plant to work on any time of the year. Since the plant does not mature and produce flowers or berries until it grows vertically, eradication efforts should focus on removing the vines from all vertical surfaces first. Be sure to follow your jurisdiction's policies on disposal or composting of removed plant debris for this plant.