Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT) was joined by more than a dozen volunteers on Patriot Day (Sept. 11) 2019 to help clear invasive plants. The volunteers came from the staff of the American College of Cardiology where the entire College was took part in a Day of Service to mark the solemn occasion.
The property they helped clear is a quarter-acre natural oasis in the middle of an urban Arlington area. Filled with lush Tulip Poplar and Red Maple trees it serves an important role in the local ecosystem. The well-being of nearby residents is improved by having this scenic forest in their neighborhood. This area, along with two other nearby pieces, also forms a permanently protected green way to Potomac Overlook Regional Park.
Prior to the clean-up, the land was falling victim to an invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed, English Ivy, and Porcelain Berry. Invasive species are plants or animals that aren’t from a particular area but find their way in and disrupt the local ecosystem. In this instance these plants were killing the trees and plats native to the area and failing to provide adequate food to the deer and other animals who call it home. Together, NVCT staff and the volunteers were able to remove more than 30 bags of invasive vines and plants.
“We chose this for our day of service because we really wanted to help the area, help the environment and protect beautiful spaces like this.” said member strategy section associate, Kristin West.
West and her team of volunteers worked for two hours and the work they did was truly impressive as you can see in the photos in our gallery below.
Removing these invasive plants also cleared the way for more native plants to be brought into the ecosystem in the future like American Holly and Spice bush.