Fairfax County Park Authority - Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Program

Close up of Garlic Mustard flower, an invasive plant

The Fairfax County Park Authority IMA Volunteer Program has a singular goal in mind: eradicate invasive plants in Fairfax County parks. They do one thing and they do it well.

Kathy Frederick, IMA Volunteer Coordinator, is often asked the question: plants are good - why remove them? Invasive plants - plants that are not native to a location - can sometimes be too good. They outcompete the old standbys and siphon off their sun, their water, and their nutrients. The monoculture of flora puts all stakeholders at risk including trees, animals, and last but not least, us and our appreciation of the park or trail.

One of the unique features of the IMA program is its citizen involvement. Volunteer Site Leaders are responsible for monitoring the forty sites throughout Fairfax County and encouraging volunteer participation in their own communities. If you live in Fairfax County, there's bound to be an IMA site within a stone's throw. Check out the IMA Calendar for scheduled workdays or better yet, sign up for Saturday's (May 2, 2009) Invasive Plant Removal Day.

Volunteer: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/IMA/IMA-volunteer.htm
To report an infestation: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/IMA/IMA-actionrpt.htm

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