It matters to them
See how these James River Park dwellers are affected by invasive plants.
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The zebra swallowtail cannot reproduce without Spicebush and Sassafras which are its “host plants.”
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Chelone glabra, a showy native plant with white blooms, is being crowded out of its favorite damp haunts by invasive species.
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Spotted salamanders depend on healthy forests and vernal pools for shelter and breeding.
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Invasive plants are non-native species capable of overtaking natural communities, and many of them are endangering the James River Park System (JRPS). Invasive species can dramatically alter natural ecosystems by decreasing biodiversity (the variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem). They can be aggressive and can crowd out native plants, increase tree mortality, alter soil composition, and reduce habitat, including food sources, for native birds, mammals, amphibians and insects.
See what JRPS and other local organizations are doing about it and how you can help – at your home or business or by volunteering in the park.
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See where invasives impact the James River
What's new with the task force
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“The Art of Invasion” coming July 15th!
June 26, 2017
Most of us who battle invasive plants don’t find them beautiful. Sometimes it takes an artist’s vision to see the world in a new way. On Saturday, July 15th from 1 – 4 o’clock The Plants of the James River Project will present The Art of Invasion, an exhibit of botanical art and a family-friendly opportunity … Continue reading “The Art of Invasion” coming July 15th! 
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Chapel Island Habitat Blitz!
April 23, 2017
James River Association is at the helm on Chapel Island, leading the invasive removal and habitat restoration work there the fourth Monday of every month. Capital Trees is now partnering with JRA on the monthly projects. This past Friday (“Earth Day Eve”), JRA, Capital Trees, and the park system worked together on a special event … Continue reading Chapel Island Habitat Blitz! 
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Cheers for our Volunteers!
March 10, 2017
The Task Force held several events to mark National Invasive Species Awareness Week that did just that: raising public awareness of the consequences to our park system of dense invasions of invasive herbaceous plants, vines, shrubs, and trees. The perpetually green carpets and tree-topping masses of wintercreeper and English Ivy and the pale green early … Continue reading Cheers for our Volunteers! 
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