weed warriors

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I remove invasive plants?

Individuals are not permitted to remove invasive plants unless they are certified Weed Warriors. Rock Creek Conservancy is looking for Weed Warriors to serve in our mini-oases. Individuals who complete Weed Warrior training become certified Weed Warriors and get assigned a mini-oasis in which they will be permitted to remove invasives.

Working in the mini-oases offers individuals the opportunity to work alongside other Weed Warriors and through people-powered restoration, contribute to our goal of removing invasives to <5% cover in these areas. 

Public volunteer events are regularly held across our mini-oases. Please join us at an event if you are interested in seeing these sites with a trained event leader. 

What if I don’t want to make an ongoing commitment?

Join us at upcoming public volunteer events that meet your schedule. 

Can I become a Weed Warrior in Montgomery County?

Yes, there is a Weed Warrior program for Montgomery County conducted by Montgomery Parks. Click here for more information. 

What is an invasive plant?

An invasive non-native species is anything that is not native to an area (meaning it does not predate human colonization) that causes – or is likely to cause – harm to human health, the economy, or the environment. Invasive plants are plants that have been introduced to a new geographic area, whether this introduction was intentional or accidental. Examples of common invasive plants include:

What is the impact of invasive plants in Rock Creek Park?

Invasive plants outcompete native plants for resources like sun, water, and soil. Native plants are necessary to support the complex community of native fauna in the park, from large mammals like coyotes, to migratory birds passing through each spring and fall. A tremendous diversity of insects also directly rely on these plants for habitat. Plant invasions lead to a decline in biodiversity across all types of life, starting with plants as the foundation of the food web, and cascading across the community.

For instance: 

• English ivy (Hedera helix) smothers the ground, preventing other plants such as spring ephemeral wildflowers, from growing. As it grows up trees, its weight can make trees more likely to fall during heavy storms.

• Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is an allelopathic plant, meaning that it releases chemicals into the soil that make that soil unsuitable for the growth of other plants.

• Few birds are able to nest in the branching structure of bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), but those that do face increased exposure to predators.

Are all non-native species invasive?

Not all non-native, introduced species become invasive. However, those that do are typically characterized by fast growth, high rates of reproduction and dispersal, tolerance to a wide range of conditions, and a lack of natural predators to help control their populations. These traits can be applied to many non-native plant species introduced for landscaping, which can become invasive when they spread from managed landscapes into natural areas.