Explore state, national and international invasive species resources
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.
Virginia state agencies
VDACS promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture, provides consumer protection and encourages environmental stewardship.
DCR is the state’s lead natural resource conservation agency. DCR protects what Virginians care about – natural habitat, parks, clean water, dams, open space and access to the outdoors.
DOF protects and develops healthy, sustainable forest resources for Virginians.
Extension is committed to providing access to unbiased, scientific information related to locally defined issues; a presence in local communities; the establishment of strong partnerships and collaborative coalitions; and innovative service to the commonwealth.
Master Gardeners – Extension Master Gardeners are trained volunteer educators. They work within their local communities to encourage and promote environmentally sound horticulture practices through sustainable landscape management education and training.
Master Naturalists – The Virginia Master Naturalist Program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.
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.
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.
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.
