Conservation Rangers Program

Preventing the next wave of invasive plants

Coming in 2026:

A person wearing a gray sweatshirt, tan pants, and a beige cap is crouching among trees and bushes, using a small tool near a fallen log in a wooded area with dry autumn leaves and thin branches.

Blue Ridge PRISM’s Conservation Rangers

Trained and certified members of Blue Ridge PRISM’s volunteer Conservation Rangers will analyze the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) data gathered by Conservation Scouts and coordinate the eradication of newly arrived invasive plant species. All removal work will be done with permission from public land authorities and under the supervision of licensed commercial applicators.

Check back here for updates!

See the Plants

Series of five plant photos, including black berries on a tree, green jumpseed leaves, purple and white Asian mazus flowers, green fern leaves, and a red and orange blackberry lily flower.

Data gathered by Conservation Scouts will inform our trained and certified Conservation Rangers, whose members will coordinate eradication work.

Close-up of incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa) plants with purple flowers and green, fern-like leaves on soil ground.

Early Detection Rapid Response “EDRR”

is the future of invasive plant control, and the future is now.

When it comes to invasive plants, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Detecting and removing newly arrived invasive plant species — BEFORE they become a full-scale infestation — is the only opportunity for eradication.

Once a new invasive plant achieves critical mass within a geography, our only options are control and management.

Here’s how YOU can help prevent the next kudzu.