CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Eleven area agencies comprising Cville’s Invasive Plant Partnership (CHIPP) have organized events for the National Invasive Species Awareness Week this week

There was a Botanical Garden of the Piedmont invasive walk Monday morning, with a Pen Park invasive tour Tuesday, a CHIPP General Meeting Thursday at Carver Rec, and an Open House and Resource Fair Friday at CitySpace.

Jacob Barney with the Invasive Species Collaborative at Virginia Tech told Public News Service an invasive species is a non-native plant or animal that spreads and rapidly displaces native species.

He said introduction of these species happened accidentally or intentionally.

“Educating yourself on which species are considered problematic where you live and finding native alternatives, or non-natives that are non-invasive,” he said.

“It’s a very simple thing you can do, sort of voting with your wallet, by reducing the number of known invasive plants into the environment.”

CHIPP is doing its second year in a row of engagement through Friday.

They consist of the Rivanna Water and Conservation Alliance, Charlottesville Tree Commission, Piedmont Master Gardeners, Rivanna Master Naturalists, Virginia Native Plant Society, ReLeaf Cville, Blue Ridge PRISM, Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards, Botanical Garden of the Piedmont, Charlottesville Parks & Recreation, and Charlottesville Office of Sustainability.

A CHIPP announcement said, “This annual observance will highlight the importance of protecting native species and our urban tree canopy from invasive vines and other invasive species that pose challenges to tree health, safety, and climate resilience.”

“Over the course of their week-long celebration, CHIPP and their members aim to improve environmental literacy, build skills, and connect with and encourage community members to feel empowered to be stewards of our urban tree canopy.”