Since the spotted lanternfly first made its presence known in Virginia in 2018, we have been faithfully stomping, squashing and squishing the invaders, which the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources describes as a “vampire in a black tuxedo, white shirt, and red bowtie.”

Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) was imported from China and widely distributed in the United States as an ornamental in the late 1700s and 1800s. Its behavior, though, is far from heavenly.

The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have approved two bills that can help deter the spread of invasive plants in Virginia and encourage use of native plants.

What do English ivy, barberry, butterfly bush, and mimosas (the tree, not the drink) have in common? You can find them in most Northern Virginia neighborhoods, and you can buy them at many local nurseries, garden shops and big box stores. But they are all invasive plants in Northern Virginia.

Ivy is an invasive exotic species that destroys trees and natural habitat. Please, do not allow English ivy to grow up trees on your property, and if it has done so, take steps to remove it.

Under a new law, the General Assembly has directed the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) to prepare a brochure that explains the value of native plants and the harm from noxious weeds and other invasive plants.

Northern Virginia’s oldest and best-loved trees are in danger, and the threat is in plain sight – and yet there are few who can see it.

Are you upset at the sight of trees being swallowed up by invasive vines? Here is an opportunity to do something about it.

We don’t usually associate the native plant movement or a tree campaign with sports, but players at the Giles Run Disc Golf Course see it as a natural connection.

Contact your legislators now and ask them to vote in favor of this bill, which will help guide Virginia in controlling the sale of invasive plants. Read on to find out how.