Department of Parks and Recreation
Invasive Plant Program
What Are We Doing About It?
In 2002 Arlington County realized the need for a program to remove invasive plants and vines that were a major threat to Arlington's trees, native shrubs and ground covers. This program was started as a half time (20 hours a week) position. By the next year the program was expanded to one full time coordinator plus a half time technician who is responsible for spraying herbicides. The program was named RiP for: Remove Invasive Plants. Currently, RiP trains volunteers to recognize invasive plants, and how to properly remove them without the use of herbicides on county owned property. RiP depends heavily on volunteer support both from individuals and on a corporate or group level. If you would like a listing of sites in Arlington Parks that RiP volunteers are working in, please go to our Upcoming Events page.
If you would like more information, please contact Sarah Archer at 703-228-1862 or by email.
Why Do People Want To Control Invasive Plants In Arlington?
- To conserve trees and promote natural regeneration.
- To maintain and restore healthy riparian vegetation along streams.
- To preserve native plant populations.
- To improve aesthetic and recreational value of public lands.
- To provide habitat for native wildlife.
Join the Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) volunteer group in Arlington County. This group supports the Arlington County Invasive Plant Program. RiP volunteers help control invasive plants in Arlington by taking part in hands-on removal of invasive plants from County property, assisting with education efforts, helping with surveys, mapping of target areas and/or program development. All ages and abilities welcome. To learn more about RiP and follow them in their quest to remove invasive plants in Arlington's parks, you can follow them on Facebook. Join RiP!
- Upcoming Events
- Volunteer and Staff Work Locations
- Volunteer Hours by Park
- Join RiP
- Additional Resources and Local Organizations
A New Brand of Volunteers to the Rescue
On Saturday, November 14th, the Arlington County Board approved receipt of a $62,823 state grant to help fund the work of six AmeriCorps members over the next 11 months. The team has been tasked with assisting in the restoration of Four Mile Run watershed, which includes just over half of the county's land. Their first priority is to put a sizable dent in the county's growing problem of invasive plants.
County staff from the Parks Division and staff of the Invasive Plant Control Program wasted no time by getting the members signed-in and started the following Monday morning. But the crew quickly embraced their mission and hit the ground running. The team consists of very mixed backgrounds, experiences and personalities but are bonding quickly and working hard.
Each of the members will receive a stipend of $11,400 over the coming year for their service. Upon completing at least 1,700 hours of service, members have the option of either receiving a cash payment of $1,200, or receiving a $4,725 Segal Education Award, that can be used to pay educational expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training, or to repay qualified student loans. Eighty-six institutions across the county provide a dollar-for-dollar match for Segal Education Award money.
CONTACT US
Invasive Plant Coordinator
Sarah Archer
Phone: 703-228-1862
