What Are Invasive Species? 

Invasive species--such as spotted lanternfly, feral swine, wavyleaf grass, and the emerald ash borer--damage forests, grasslands, marshes, and farmlands. They may also cause harm to humans. Invasive species are non-native weeds, insect pests and other organisms introduced intentionally or accidentally by people who move them from their native range. 

In the United States, economists estimate that more than $120 billion are lost annually to damages associated with invasive species. Invasive species threaten native plants and animals and their habitat in forests, marshes, and other natural areas.

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT!!!

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana), which includes the popular ornamental variety 'Bradford' pear, is rapidly spreading outside of cultivation. Readily identified by its showy white flowers in early March, numerous infestations are appearing in roadsides, old fields and pastures, forest edges and fencerows.

You can help us learn more by collecting data on the spread using these apps >>.

See maps and more information on Callery pear here >>.

Two-horned trapa, a new aquatic invasive plant, is spreading rapidly across ponds and other waterbodies in northern Virginia. Recently, it was found in Charlotte County, Virginia, and Greenbelt, Maryland. A cousin of the infamous European water chestnut that once choked the Potomac River, two-horned trapa infests freshwater ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways.

Learn more and see a map here >>

Report finding two-horned trapa here >>

INVASIVE INSECT ALERT!!!

In 2018, spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was discovered in Virginia. SLF attacks grapes, peaches, hops, and many ornamental and native tree species.

Learn more here >>

See the current Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan here >>

 Learn more about invasive species that threaten Virginia here >>

  Report and map your discovery of invasive species here >>