The green of the trees has been such a balm after the chilly winter. They are providing shelter for nesting birds rearing their young, migrating birds seeking rest on their journey north, and caterpillars providing a valuable source of food for each. The beauty of the season reinforces our commitment to free the trees of Fairfax County so we can maintain our green spaces for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
Exciting Grant Opportunity for Invasives Management Planning; Zoom Information Session:
Do you see messes of vines threatening trees anywhere and wish someone would do something? Or the invasive Tree-of-Heaven? If the owners of that land are community associations or faith communities, please share this opportunity to receive a grant to jumpstart a management plan. We need your help getting the word out.
There will be an information session on Zoom on May 14 at 7:30 to learn more about the mini-grants for Fairfax/Falls Church community associations and faith communities. https://www.fairfaxprism.org/take-action/grants
Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM is accepting applications now to arrange a site visit from an experienced volunteer who can help with the plant ID and management planning. Until our money runs out (act now before that happens!), we will approve grants for qualifying communities who have a sound plan.
Weed Warrior Training for volunteering on National Park Service land
The training is offered in two parts:
• A virtual session on Wednesday, May 13 from 6-9 pm PRISM Weed Warrior Training Registration Link
• An in-person field session at a participating park, most taking place on the morning of Saturday, May 16
To become a certified Weed Warrior volunteer, participants must attend both sessions.
This is a great opportunity to learn how to identify and manage invasive plants, connect with others, and make a real impact in our parks. Please share this registration link with anyone who may be interested. The more people we reach, the more ground we can cover.
Note: If you would like to volunteer at Meadowood, when filling out the form, select other and then write in Meadowood.
Our Spring Extravaganza!
Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM, in concert with our partners and volunteers, welcomed the spring season by rescuing1756 trees throughout the county. 455 people volunteered at 45 events held from March 21 - April 18 during our spring Extravaganza. Our efforts continue; see our website for current tree rescue and invasives removal events.
Exhibit at Thomas Jefferson Library
For the month of May, Thomas Jefferson Library is displaying a Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM-designed exhibit about the common invasive plants threatening our trees, ways to combat these threats, and resources available to save the trees. The exhibit includes a wealth of information as well as information about Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM and how you can help. You can visit the library at 7415 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church. See pictures of our exhibit below.
Our progress
173 Community Representatives
Are you a member of a faith community, HOA, or commercial property with green space and concerned about invasives on your grounds? We are happy to conduct site visits to assess the grounds and offer solutions, contact us at
Know Your Invasives: Non‑Native Viburnum: A New Threat in NoVA:
Non‑native viburnums - including species like Linden viburnum, Doublefile viburnum, and Leatherleaf viburnum have long been sold as ornamental shrubs. They’re showy, hardy, and easy to grow. But in recent years, these species have begun escaping into natural areas across Northern Virginia, where they are spreading rapidly and outcompeting native plants.
By contrast, the native viburnums are considered keystone plants, with berries of high nutritional value for birds and with leaves that host over a hundred species of caterpillars.
To learn more about the threat non-native viburnums pose to our forests, how to recognize them, and beneficial and beautiful native alternatives, read more on our website. https://www.fairfaxprism.org/communications/plants/non-native-viburnum-a-new-invasive-threat-in-northern-virginia
Support Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM
If you are unable to join us in the field, or even if you are able but want to make a positive impact in a different way, please consider donating to Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM. We are a grassroots, volunteer run organization with minimal operating expenses, but we can't succeed in our mission without tools, outreach, and the mini-grants that help us rescue trees throughout our neighborhoods.
