Conservation Stewards
Photo: Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance volunteers learn hack & squirt method for controlling invasive Tree-of-heaven
Hands-on Field Training and Workdays
Blue Ridge PRISM provides in-person field training for volunteer Conservation Stewards to learn how to identify and control invasive plants. We deliver custom training programs based on your site conditions, invasive plant inventory, local regulations, and volunteer knowledge base. We also manage regular workdays for Conservation Stewards in parks and botanical gardens in 12 counties.
PRISM is proud to provide training for The Nature Conservancy, Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance, Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, Greene County Parks & Recreation, Upper & Middle James Riparian Consortium, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professionals, Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, Eastham Park, Mill Creek South HOA, Glenmore HOA, and more.
Partner spotlight: The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy - Virginia has partnered with Blue Ridge PRISM to provide training on controlling invasive plants to help protect Fernbrook Natural Area. Conservation Stewards have learned how to do hack and squirt, cut stump, and foliar spray methods, as well as hand pulling, digging, and cutting. With over 300 acres under protection, Fernbrook is part of the Old Growth Forest Network.
Partner spotlight: Rivanna Conservation Alliance
Rivanna Conservation Alliance (RCA) and Blue Ridge PRISM are partners in RCA’s Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience Project, an ambitious, multi-year project to restore a five-mile stretch of the Rivanna River corridor as it passes through Charlottesville, VA. PRISM is training the project’s Site Leaders who will manage volunteer Conservation Stewards conducting invasive plant removal activities in assigned parcels throughout three county parks: Darden Towe, Pen Park, and Riverview Park. Want to help? Sign up with RCA to volunteer!
“There can be no purpose more inspiring than to begin the age of restoration, reweaving the wondrous diversity of life that still surrounds us.”
— E. O. Wilson
Partner spotlight: LIRA
The Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA) has partnered with Blue Ridge PRISM to provide training on controlling Tree-of-heaven to help protect the valuable vineyard economy of Loudoun County. Using hack & squirt and basal bark methods, LIRA volunteer Conservation Stewards have treated over 300 trees this year alone. With 54 HOAs and over 250,000 people — over half the population of Loudoun County — LIRA is having a huge impact!
Mike Littman, President, Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance
“I can't think of a better partner than Blue Ridge PRISM for LIRA. Whether it's their leading edge onsite and virtual training, their deep knowledge of the subject matter that's revealed during property assessments, or their focused leadership in advancing policy in Richmond, Blue Ridge PRISM is THE authority for invasive plant expertise in the state of Virginia.”
