CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Charlottesville Parks and Recreation has launched an extensive ecological restoration effort aimed at improving native habitats across the city’s park system. Crews are currently focused on removing invasive plant species in a coordinated campaign that spans multiple parks and green spaces.
The initiative, which began this week, is part of a long-term project first launched in September 2023. Officials say the work is designed to support local ecosystems by reducing non-native plant growth that threatens biodiversity.
“This project is largely an ongoing one,” said Steven Gaines, Urban Forester for Charlottesville Parks and Recreation. “We think of this largely as a restoration which will be ongoing for several years.”
Specialized herbicide treatments are being applied in targeted areas, including Jordan Park, to control the spread of invasive vegetation. City officials emphasize that these treatments are essential to safeguarding native flora and fauna.
Additional restoration work is underway in Azalea Park, Forest Hills Park, Washington Park, and along key stretches of the Rivanna Trail and the Butterfly Greenway. Each location operates under a detailed land management plan, complete with objectives, implementation strategies, and mapped guidelines.
“Each land tract has its own management plan with a complete list of objectives, how those objectives are to be met, and maps,” Gaines explained. “We are sticking to that plan and so far, it is working.”
The overarching goal of the project is to create a cleaner, more sustainable environment where native plants and local wildlife, particularly birds and pollinating insects, can flourish.
“Pressures from vines and areas that are low in biodiversity make it very difficult for our, particularly birds and insects, to become established and function at a level that we hope they will continue to stay sustainable,” Gaines said.
This phase of the restoration effort is scheduled to continue through June 27.
