Invasive Plant Task Force

Mission and Vision

The James River Park System Invasive Task Force formed in early 2015 to mount a strategic, coordinated response to the crisis of invasive plant species’ dominance in the park system. Founders from the Riverine chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists and the Richmond Tree Stewards recruited enthusiastic members from several other nonprofits and agencies that also were already engaged in invasive management efforts in the park system. (See “About the Project” for more information on the origins of the Task Force.)

The vision of the JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force is a healthy and resilient James River Park System where native plants predominate.

The mission of the JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force is to foster a thriving park ecosystem through invasive plant species management, restoration of native plant communities, public awareness and citizen involvement.

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Current membership on the steering committee of the JRPS Invasive Plant Task Force

Lead Partner Organizations

• Virginia Master Naturalists, Riverine and Pocahontas Chapters
• Richmond Tree Stewards
• Center for Environmental Studies, VCU Life Sciences
• Capital Trees
• Virginia Native Plant Society, Pocahontas Chapter
• James River Association
• Natural Heritage Program, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
• Friends of James River Park
• James River Park System

Other Active Members

• Bill Shanabruch, Reedy Creek Environmental
• Robert Wright, professional botanist
• Madge Bemiss, architect
• Anna Aquino, professional Landscape Designer
• Ashton Stinson, Blue Ridge PRISM [Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management]
• Vicki Shivy, Associate Professor, VCU Counseling Psychology