Invasive plants smackdown

Finally, state electeds have approved funding to take action on invasive plants which, according to the Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan (PDF), may cause losses near $1 billion and the degradation of ecosystems. (p2)

The VPM story State budget provides $4.9M to tackle invasive species presents a brief history of advocacy and action on removing invasive plants from Virginia and tells the good news that has finally come: Nearly $5 million in funding. Monies in the FYs 2025 and 2026 budget will address invasive plants, their threats to other plants, animals, and the environment more broadly. (Listen to Virginia budget provides $4.9M to tackle invasive species [audio] for the highlights.)

Allocations will be:

  • “Funding to support PRISMs in other regions of the state” (beyond the Blue Ridge)

  • “$1,880,000 over two years for the Department of Forestry to hire two staff members, cover related expenses for invasive species management, support the development of additional PRISMs and provide statewide coordination for invasive species management

  • $1,550,000 over two years for the Department of Wildlife Resources to hire two staff members and cover related expenses for invasive species management

  • $970,000 over two years for the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to hire one staff member and cover related expenses for invasive species management

  • $500,000 over two years for the Department of Conservation and Recreation to hire two staff members and cover related expenses for invasive species management” (Source: State budget provides $4.9M to tackle invasive species)


The alternative to invasives and taking action on your own

Native plants are the alternative to invasive plants. Think Juncus effusus, Lupinus perennis, and Dicentra Spectabilis shown above. And Lobelia cardinalis (Cardinal Flower), Rudbeckia hirta (Black-eyed Susan), Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow), and Asclepias syriaca (Common Milkweed). And many, many more.

Northern Neck Native Plant Society, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation among numerous other organizations and government agencies have lists, searchable databases, and brochures about natives and where you can buy them.

Harbour Pointe Homeowners Association in Northumberland County has taken their interest in natives one step further. The HOA has prioritized the planting of natives in two studies and a policy and the documents include links to information sources about plants for shorelines and Virginia.

Full disclosure: I am a member of the Harbour Pointe Homeowners Association and was involved with preparing all three docs.



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