Annandale volunteers needed for Invasive Plant Removal Day this Saturday
Annandale residents are invited to join the effort to wipe out invasive plants that are taking over our parks and streams. A series of events is planned statewide on May 1, Virginia Invasive Plant Removal Day, including two in Annandale:
Annandale Community Park, Lafayette Village Drive, off Hummer Road. Volunteers will focus on removing porcelainberry plants, as well as protecting trees and increasing native plant biodiversity. -
Mason District Park, Columbia Pike. Volunteers will work on areas designated for habitat restoration, focusing on the removal of garlic mustard (pictured).
Both of those events are 9 a.m.-noon. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sun screen, and insect repellant. The events are sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Authority Invasive Management Area Program. For more information on these events, contact Kathy Frederick, 703/324-8681.
It’s important to get rid of invasive plants because they threaten natural plants and wildlife habitats
and cause economic damage. Hydrilla, for example, has overtaken lakes, killing fisheries. The estimated annual cost of invasive species in Virginia is $1 billion. During the first Virginia Invasive Plant Removal Day, in 2009, more than 400 volunteers contributed over 1,300 hours of service and removed more than 250 bags of invasive plants.
One response to “Annandale volunteers needed for Invasive Plant Removal Day this Saturday”
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Please encourage volunteers to watch out for ticks… I live in Annandale and my wife and 2 of my 3 kids have had bouts of Lyme disease… going into any area like this can be quite dangerous… use a 30% deet repellent, long pants, tape the legs and then wash it all in the hottest water you have and dry it on high heat… just raking leaves in your yard requires precautions.