Urban forest restoration – invasive plant control September 21 – October 23, 2026
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Department will conduct invasive plant control and containment projects on several City-owned properties and parks this fall. The purpose of these treatments is to reduce impacts from invasive vegetation, increase existing urban tree canopy, and restore native groundcovers and native trees.
Beginning September 21 and concluding by October 23 (weather permitting), contracted environmental crews will resume activities on multiple City-owned properties to control invasive vegetation and restore native habitats. These crews will perform targeted herbicide applications and forestry mulching operations targeting invasive vegetation (primarily invasive vines, paradise trees, autumn olive, and bush honeysuckle). Signage and caution tape will be visible in all treatment areas.
The following properties will be subject to restoration activities:
Parks: Azalea, Forest Hills, Meadow Creek Gardens, Riverview, Tonsler, and Washington
Trails: Fry’s Spring Nature Trail, John Warner Parkway/Butterfly Greenway, Pen Park Fitness Trail
Rivanna Trail: Azalea Park, Jordan Park to 5th Street, Quarry Park, and Riverview Park
Other City properties: Agnese Street, 0 Meadowbrook Road, Oakwood Cemetery Easement, Watson Road/250 Bypass, and Sunrise Elementary
Signage will be placed to alert and inform pedestrians about land management activities. Signs will be placed along trail sides and target areas at the start of management activities and will remain on site for 24 hours post activity. Members of the public are asked to stay clear of any work zones and to be aware of temporary trail closures. If caution tape and signage is posted at trail entrances, the trail is closed to all through traffic (pedestrian and bicycles). Please respect trail closures.
Any questions can be directed to Steve Gaines, urban forester, at 434-970-3587 or gainess@charlottesville.gov.
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