Virginia Invasive Species Awareness Week 2026 Mobilizes Statewide Action

As the cost of invasive species rises to more than $1 billion annually, communities work to stop the spread and key legislation gains momentum.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Virginia Invasive Species Awareness Week (VISAW) runs February 21–28, 2026, bringing statewide attention to the growing economic, environmental and public health damage invasive species cause. Those impacts exceed $1 billion each year in the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group. Virginia's theme for VISAW, "Defending Our Health by Stopping the Spread," highlights the direct connection between invasive species and human and environmental well-being.

Why it matters

Invasive plants, animals and pathogens increasingly threaten public health, food security, recreation, infrastructure and ecosystems across Virginia. This year's theme underscores a powerful truth: Protecting our environment is directly tied to protecting health. VISAW 2026 is a rallying point, bringing partners together to advance real solutions.

The details

More than 95 nonprofits, state and local agencies, private contractors, volunteer organizations and farmers collaborate in VIPC to address the spread of invasive plants. Many of the most powerful solutions — such as early detection, rapid response, behavior-based prevention and collaboration across organizations — receive limited attention outside the professional field. VISAW fills the gap by connecting leaders from state, regional and local agencies, Tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, academic institutions and community groups around a unified message: We all have a role in preventing the spread.

  • Virginia Invasive Species Awareness Week (VISAW) runs February 21–28, 2026.

The players

Virginia Invasive Species Working Group

According to the group, the impacts of invasive species exceed $1 billion each year in the Commonwealth.

Rowena Zimmermann

Director of the Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition.

Loudon Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA)

LIRA's mission is to spark a shift in how Loudoun thinks about invasive plants, turning awareness into everyday action.

Mike Littman

President of the Loudon Invasive Removal Alliance.

Blue Ridge Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM)

A nonprofit environmental organization committed to improving the health of our natural world for future generations.

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What they’re saying

“Invasive species impact every community. This year's theme underscores a powerful truth: Protecting our environment is directly tied to protecting health. VISAW 2026 is a rallying point, bringing partners together to advance real solutions.”

— Rowena Zimmermann, Director of the Virginia Invasive Plant Coalition

“LIRA's mission is to spark a shift in how Loudoun thinks about invasive plants, turning awareness into everyday action. By partnering with residents, local government, businesses and nonprofits across the county, we're helping people make sustainable planting and landscaping choices.”

— Mike Littman, President of the Loudon Invasive Removal Alliance

What’s next

Four bills designed to curb the harms of invasive plants recently passed the first vote in the General Assembly and have crossed over to the opposite chamber, including measures to manage roadside invasive plants, remove a commercial viability loophole, help local jurisdictions control invasive plants, and allow volunteers to assist with invasive plant control on state lands.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing economic, environmental and public health impacts of invasive species in Virginia, and the need for a coordinated statewide effort to address the problem through community engagement, policy changes, and collaborative solutions.