In early March, the Virginia Cooperative Extension announced a state-wide, year-long initiative focused on tackling invasive species. As the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation notes, “invasive plants proliferate and displace native plant species, reduce wildlife habitat and alter natural processes. They also impose serious costs on our economy, which depends on benefits provided by nature.” The Virginia Cooperative Extension reports that invasive (non-native) species present the greatest threat to natural systems, agriculture and aquaculture after development and habitat conversion. In fact, damage from species cause $138 billion in losses in the U.S. each year.
Because of the significant negative ecological impact of invasive species, the Extension Master Gardener State Office and EMG units throughout the state will concentrate in 2024 on raising awareness of the dangers that invasive species pose. This effort will emphasize the knowledge, tools and strategies necessary to manage and control invasive species effectively through a variety of public education programs and projects, and outreach through EMG websites, newsletters, social media and other communications channels.
Home gardeners in Central Virginia can take a number of steps to educate themselves and others about invasive species by consulting the websites listed below. Use the invasives.org website to learn about early detection, new arrivals and invasives already established in Virginia or report on invasives through the early detection and distribution mapping system (EDDMapS). Check these invasive plants ID cards to easily recognize some common culprits. Be sure to watch for upcoming programs, activities and articles on invasives on the Piedmont Master Gardeners website. Reach out to the Horticultural Help Desk or PMG’s Help Desks at Farmers’ Markets for questions on invasives.
Tallies of the number of invasive plant species in Virginia vary and no one list encompasses all of them. In addition, newly arrived species of concern continue to emerge. Help PMG spread the word on the problems with invasives and measures to control them. Unfortunately, invasive plants remain available and continue to be sold by nurseries and big box stores. Follow the advice in this insightful article: Don’t Buy Nonnative Invasive Plants – Even if You Can!
Image: Hedera helix, Charlottesville, VA by Susan Martin
References
A Field Guide for the Identification of Invasive Plants in Southern Forests, USDA Forest Service — Identifies plants and plant groups that aggressively invade forests in 13 Southern States.
A Management Guide for Invasive Plants in Southern Forests, USDA Forest Service — Explains control recommendations, selective application procedures and preventative measures.
About Invasive Species in Virginia, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation—Describes Virginia’s efforts to address the threats presented by invasive species.
Common Invasive Plants Easy ID Cards, Maryland Department of Natural Resources – Includes photos of leaves, flowers, stems and a detailed description of common invasive plants.
Invasive Alien Plant Species Factsheets, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation — Focuses on identification, threats and control of the most troublesome of VA’s non-native invasive plant species.
Invasive Plant Fact Sheets, Blue Ridge Prism — Includes information on identification, location, growth habit, management and control of invasive species in a 12-county service area in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains.
Invasive Non-Native Species, Environmental Protection Agency – Provides general information on the impact of invasive species, including their impact on watersheds and water quality.
Invasive Species Information, EDD Maps. University of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health — Provides taxonomy, descriptions, images and distribution maps of invasive species.
Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service — Provides an introduction to invasive plants and the impacts they have on natural habitats and ecosystems. Factsheets include information on prevention, control and native plant alternatives.
Virginia Invasive Plant Species List, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation — Lists invasive species ranked as exhibiting high, medium or low levels of invasiveness.
Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan, Virginia Invasive Species Working Group, 2018 – Provides a roadmap for state agencies to minimize harm from invasive species.
