Help Remove Invasive Plants

Title: Help Remove Invasive Plants and Protect Arlington’s Natural Areas Meta description: Join Arlington County’s RiP (Remove Invasive Plants) volunteer program for monthly work parties at Haley Park, Gulf Branch, Tuckahoe, and Long Branch — free, beginner-friendly, and open to all ages.

One of the most direct ways to protect Arlington’s natural areas is surprisingly approachable: joining a Remove Invasive Plants (RiP) volunteer work party. English ivy, garlic mustard, porcelain berry, vinca, and other non-native species spread aggressively through Arlington’s parks and woodlands, crowding out native plants and degrading the habitat that local wildlife depends on. The county’s RiP volunteer program organizes monthly hands-on removal sessions at sites across Arlington, and no experience is required — just gloves, sturdy shoes, and a willingness to pull things out of the ground for a few hours on a weekend morning.

Work parties are held on a rotating monthly schedule. The sessions are welcoming to all ages and abilities, and the work genuinely makes a measurable difference — particularly at smaller neighborhood sites where achieving near-complete invasive removal is a realistic goal. EcoAction Arlington also organizes additional removal events throughout the year in partnership with RiP. Sign up for upcoming work parties at givegab.com/nonprofits/arlington-county-invasive-plant-program or find the full schedule at the County website.