Invasive Plant I.D. Cards Now Available At Park Sites

Beautifully landscaped yards are important to Fairfax County residents, and they spend lots of time and money maintaining them. However, too often non-native plants and trees are sold by plant nurseries and vendors. These invasive species can out-compete native species that support local wildlife and a balanced environment. The Fairfax County Park Authority's new publication, Non-Native Invasive ID and Control, is a guide to the non-native plants lurking in borders and backyards.

The guidebooks feature 150, full-color photographs of common non-native invasive plants, natives and non-native look-alikes. The guidebook, featuring plastic cards bound with two steel rings, is washable with soap and water, making it a durable, backyard tool. The cards are divided into color-coded sections for vines, trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Both the common and Latin names are given for each species. Tips are provided for control and eradication on personal property, as well as seasonal information such as when you might expect to see flowers and fruit.

Invasive plant identification cards are a standard outreach tool used by many jurisdictions that promote native species. They are used to help the public identify the native from the non-native flora. Park Authority staff and volunteers worked closely with county residents over the past two years to compile the information for this much-needed guidebook.

Non-native Invasive ID and Control supports the Park Authority's Natural Resource Management Plan's (NRMP) goal of increasing awareness of non-native invasive plants through the production of outreach materials.

Non-Native Invasive ID and Control is available for purchase at nature centers for $9.95. You may also.leave a message on the Naturalist Line at 703-324-8580.