Explore state, national and international invasive species resources
Virginia state agencies
Virginia has several state agencies that are charged with the prevention, early detection, management, and eradication of invasive species. These agencies include the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF), Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE).
Plant resources
Animal resources
Disease resources
VCE publications
VCE delivers practical, science-based information through publications and other online resources. Click the following link to be directed to the VCE Publications webpage and type in your species of interest in the “Search Bar” for more information.
Report an invasive species
You can report sightings of invasive species to Virginia state agencies using this online form.
You can also utilize “Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System”, or EDDMapS. This application is an easy to use tool for citizen scientists, students, and volunteer projects for basic mapping of invasive species locations. Free registration is required to enter data and user reports are shared with Virginia state agencies.
In 2003, the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group was formed with the purpose of coordinating state agency action to minimize economic, environmental, and human harm from invasive species by acting on the seven goals of coordination, prevention, early detection, rapid response, control, research, and education. Click on the follow link to view the 2018 Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan.
Virginia nonprofit and coalition resources
Blue Ridge PRISM reduces the impact of invasive plants on the ecosystems of the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas through regional and statewide advocacy, landowner support, implementing control measures, and public education.
Plant Virginia Natives is a collaborative initiative engaging organizations, across Virginia’s coastal zone, piedmont and mountain regions, in state-wide and regional marketing strategies to increase the use and availability of native plants.
The purpose of the Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition is to identify and launch a series of new statewide initiatives and action plans to make dramatic progress against invasive plants, and, as part of that effort, support the use of native plants.
The Virginia Native Plant Society is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the native plants of Virginia and their habitats.
National and international resources
NAISMA’s mission is to empower invasive species management in North America.
This webpage is maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Library and serves as an “all-taxa” portal for invasive species information. It is an educational gateway to information, organizations, and services about invasive species.
A joint project of the University of Georgia’s Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Forest Service, USDA Identification Technology Program, and USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The website features information on individual species, a vast photo gallery, and numerous publications.
This report critically evaluates evidence on the trends, drivers and impacts of biological invasions and outlines key responses and policy options for effective control of invasive alien species and mitigation of their impacts.
The Global Invasive Species Database is a free, online searchable source of information about alien and invasive species that negatively impact biodiversity.
Education campaigns
The Don’t Move Firewood campaign is an outreach partnership managed by The Nature Conservancy. The overarching goal of the campaign is to protect trees and forests all across North America from invasive insects and diseases that can travel in or on contaminated firewood.
The Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers! campaign is a call to action that empowers recreational users of aquatic resources in the United States and other countries to help stop the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species through outreach and partnerships.
Since 2012, Don’t Let It Loose has been working to provide responsible rehoming information to pet owners who, for one reason or another, need to find another home for their pet.
The PlayCleanGo® Stop Invasive Species In Your Tracks® campaign works tirelessly to prevent the detrimental effects of invasive species to North America’s lands and waters.
The Don’t Pack a Pest campaign educates travelers about the risks associated with bringing undeclared agricultural items into the U.S. and neighboring Caribbean countries.
