Visit Blue Ridge PRISM for plants to watch for throughout the year: Invasive Species Alerts – Blue Ridge PRISM Inc
United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service Pest Alert - Wavyleaf Basketgrass (July 2024)
Invasive Species News
Invasive species (plants, animals, or diseases) are those intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity causing ecological or economic damage within a region in which they did not evolve. These species are usually characterized by unrestricted growth with few natural pests or predators. These qualities allow them to spread quickly, and they can aggressively outcompete desired native species causing harm to natural resources, humans, and the local economy.
Here are some ways that invasive species are introduced to new areas: Pathways of Introduction and Spread.
United States Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center for more information.
As of January 1, 2023, running bamboo must be contained on an owner's property.
Avoid The Fine, Don't Let Running Bamboo Grow Beyond Your Property Line.
Running bamboo is a fast-growing, invasive grass with a complex, horizontal root system called rhizomes that aggressively spread underground, as much as 15 feet per year. Once planted, running bamboo can eventually take over yards and travel across property lines, creating issues for adjacent property owners and local jurisdictions.
The new ordinance requires property owners to contain running bamboo on their property and prevent it from spreading beyond their property line. Property owners may incur penalties if they allow bamboo to spread beyond their property.
Learn more about the damage it causes, as well as how to contain, remove and dispose of Running Bamboo.
Read the information sheet: English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese
Why It Matters
There are consequences to the spread of invasive species:
- Environmental
- Financial
- Social and Recreational
- Health
- Safety
What You Can Do
You can take action in many ways:
- Be informed and spread the word
- Prevent the spread and plant native
- Manage invasive species on your property
- Volunteer, individually and as groups
- Report invasive species
Resources
Find references and contacts for:
- Informational websites
- Contact information
- Events and Activities; Videos and Podcasts
Plants
Animals & Insects
Diseases
Working Together on Invasive Species
While Fairfax County and its partners work hard to provide the best services for controlling invasive species, we rely on the engaged residents of Fairfax to support our efforts to identify, manage, and control invasive species. Learn more about the County's work and discover numerous opportunities for you to get involved!
Events and Activities
Videos and Podcasts
Countywide Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy Outcomes
Our collective work on invasive species helps Fairfax County make progress on our Countywide Strategic Plan through our environmental policies and practices that support air, water and land quality. It is important for people to have the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment, and that residents, businesses, county employees and visitors share in the responsibility to improve environmental outcomes.