Lake Accotink, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA, has long been a treasured recreational spot for local residents. However, the presence of invasive species has led to a decline in the health of the lake and the surrounding forests. To combat this issue, a collaborative, and community-driven ecological restoration and invasive species management project has been set in motion. This article offers an overview of the project's key aspects, focusing on the efforts of the Fairfax County Park Authority and Plant NOVA Natives.

In early 2023, the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) secured funding through the Society for Ecological Restoration's (SER) Standards-based Ecological Restoration in Action program in collaboration with Microsoft. The primary objective of this grant is to support the Fairfax County Park Authority's battle against invasive plant species at Lake Accotink Park in Springfield, Virginia.

The Crucial Role of Restoration

Ecological restoration plays a pivotal role in maintaining the biodiversity and ecological health of natural areas. Invasive species represent a significant threat to native plants and wildlife, disrupting the delicate balance of ecosystems. Addressing this challenge necessitates a united effort that involves various organizations and the local community.

In response to the invasive species at Lake Accotink Park, the Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management Area (IMA) has initiated a habitat restoration project. This initiative, supported by the grant, began with a volunteer event hosted by Plant NOVA Natives, that brought together Microsoft datacenter employees and community members. Together, they aim to systematically eliminate invasive species and reintroduce native trees.

The project will focus on treating approximately 7.2 acres at Lake Accotink, with special attention given to vines that threaten the well-being of mature trees. Furthermore, professional invasive removal contractors, guided by scientific expertise, will manage areas that are either inaccessible or unsafe for volunteer efforts. Their treatments will be followed by additional treatments over a five-year period to prevent reinfestation.

 

Educating the Community

Education plays a pivotal role in this scientific endeavor. Informative signs, rooted in ecological science, will be strategically placed along well-traveled paths within the park to inform the community about the significance of native plant species and the harm invasive species have them. This project goes beyond the park's boundaries, with a commitment to educate the surrounding community about the ecological implications of invasive species and the importance of their removal from their own properties.

 

What makes this project standards-based ecological restoration?

By using the SER standards for this project, the Fairfax County and Plant NOVA Trees will have a greater chance of meeting their project goals. Standards-based ecological restoration helps account for complex ecosystem dynamics, navigate trade-offs in land use, address challenges, and increase design and implementation effectiveness. This ecological restoration and invasive species management project aligns with principles outlined in the SER standards by:

1. Incorporating Diverse Knowledge and Capacity: Preserving natural plant communities and riparian buffers is of paramount importance to the Fairfax County Park Authority. The project's objectives involve recruiting a scientifically diverse array of volunteers and providing professional treatment for the invasive species that are challenging to control. Moreover, a scientific approach is employed to create and disseminate print materials, further enhancing ecological understanding within the community and emphasizing the importance of eradicating invasive species.
2. Promoting Inclusivity and Participation: The project manager will ensure the inclusion of a diverse group of community members in the volunteer workday. Outreach efforts involve scientific partnerships with local community centers in economically disadvantaged areas, designed to promote the event and coordinate transportation.
3. Identifying and Mitigating Causes of Degradation: Many of the invasive species in the park typically originate from landscape plants introduced through waterways. The project targets areas within the park where invasive species are challenging to control and pose significant ecological threats. This strategy is aimed at protecting the park while mitigating seed production and educating the community about invasive species removal.
4. Enhancing Biodiversity:  By controlling invasive species near high-quality forests, native plants will have the opportunity to thrive. Reducing the seed source of invasive species will be coupled with restoration in previously infested areas. This approach will provide scientific evidence for additional planting opportunities for volunteers, promoting increased biodiversity.
5. Achieving Environmental Benefits and Social Equity: The project's proximity to low-income communities underscores its importance. It will not only promote equitable access to a vibrant and healthy natural recreational area but also offer environmental benefits, including carbon removal, improved water, and air quality. This initiative, guided by SER's Standards, serves as a model for other corporations and individuals to engage in scientific stewardship of local ecosystems. It highlights the potential of ecological restoration science to make a substantial positive impact on both the environment and communities.

The collaborative ecological restoration and invasive species management project at Lake Accotink in Fairfax County, Virginia, serves as a testament to the power of community engagement and partnership. Through the dedicated efforts of Plant NOVA Native and the Fairfax County Park Foundation, significant progress has been made in restoring the lake and its surrounding ecosystem. By embracing the principles of ecological restoration and native plant conservation, this initiative offers a blueprint for other communities seeking to protect and preserve their natural habitats. 

Microsoft is proud to collaborate with Society and Ecological Restoration to deliver standards-based ecological restoration with Fairfax County and Plant NOVA Trees in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA. Learn more here.