Charlottesville rooting out invasive species on city parkland

There are two distinct references in Charlottesville’s Comprehensive Plan that provide direction to staff to undertake initiatives to remove plants that are not native to this region. Both are within the Environment, Climate, and Food Equity chapter.

• Strategy 5.1 — Manage invasive plant and animal species in support of healthy native plant and animal communities
• Strategy 6.1 — Monitor, protect, and expand the urban tree canopy both at citywide and neighborhood levels
  • Sub-strategy: Address invasive species, diversity, and distribution

This week the Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department will undertake its latest effort to remove species such as bush honey suckles, autumn olive, paradise trees, and invasive vines.

“Beginning November 24 and concluding by December 12 (weather permitting), contracted environmental crews will begin work on multiple City-owned properties to control invasive vegetation and restore native habitats,” reads in information release sent out on November 19.

Hired crews will use herbicide as well as mulching in areas where invasives are present. This time around the work will take place at Riverview Park, the Butterfly Greenway along the John Warner Parkway, and the Meadowcreek Disc Golf Course.

Signs will be posted about what activities are taking place and people are asked to stay away from work zones.

“If caution tape and signage is posted at trail entrances, the trail is closed to through traffic (pedestrian/bicycles),” the release continues.

The FY26 budget includes $150,000 for this purpose.

The main image for this post is a section of the city’s Comprehensive Plan! See the rest here.

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