Jump To:
The Invasive Species Program was created to assist with the management of invasive species within the Raleigh Parks System. The program serves as a resource to manage infestations, prevent introductions, and provide educational opportunities to all citizens. Interested individuals and groups can volunteer to assist with managing the invasive species in our parks.
What are Invasive Species?
Invasive plant species are non-native aggressive plants that threaten and degrade our ecosystems. Fast-growing and reproducing quickly, invasives shade out native plant seedlings, smother trees, and outcompete for resources such as light, water, and soil nutrients. By preventing native species (even oaks!) from growing, invasives prevent native birds and other animals from completing their life cycles. This changes the profile of our forests and open spaces.
Habitat Heroes
Do you want to help preserve Raleigh's precious green spaces? Join the Habitat Heroes Program. This program is an opportunity for individuals or groups to adopt one of our 220 parks or a section of our 120 miles of greenway trails throughout the city. By adopting, the group or individual agrees to volunteer at least once every four months of their year-long adoption period.
Help us preserve ecosystems by while removing or mapping invasive plants. Volunteers can also assist with early detection and rapid response by being the eyes of the Invasive Program. Finding and reporting new infestations or other notable occurrences help limit the spread of invasive species and protect valuable wildlife habitat
To coordinate a group invasive removal project, please reach out to the Volunteer Services Program at prvolunteer@raleighnc.gov.
Tracking Invasive Species
Free applications let you contribute to citizen science while discovering habitats around you. Try SEEDN (Southeast Early Detection Network), iNaturalist, or SEEK to track invasive species and untangle the mysteries of the natural world.