Loudoun County Invasive Plant Removal Grant Program

$2 Million in Funding Approved – Launching Fall 2025

OVERVIEW

In June 2025, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved a $2 million grant program to combat invasive plant species across the county. This new initiative—the Invasive Plant Species Management Program (IPSMP)—aims to create a paradigm shift in consumer behavior and public awareness regarding invasive plant species that are negatively impacting resident safety, the local economy and ecosystems.  Awareness will be created through grant funded invasive plant removal projects in high visibility locations with a goal of residents no longer unwittingly purchasing invasive plants from big box stores and nurseries, while simultaneously taking matters into their own hands in their backyards.

The program will officially launch September 15, 2025.

Why This Matters

Invasive plant species threaten Loudoun’s:

  • Environmental health, by crowding out native plants and damaging habitats

  • Public safety, by contributing to falling trees, disease, fire risks and more.

  • Local economy, including farms, wineries, and real estate values

By participating in IPSMP, communities play a direct role in reversing this damage—and in building a healthier, more resilient Loudoun.

Who Is Eligible?

The program is open to:

  • Homeowners Associations (HOAs)

  • Planned Communities

  • Wineries, Farms & Agricultural Businesses

  • Other high-visibility private properties

These groups are uniquely positioned to reach large audiences and influence behavior through signage, outreach, and demonstration of best practices.

How It Works

At its core, the IPSMP is a partnership between the County and Loudoun’s private landowners whereby the County will help fund high impact invasive plant removals in exchange for public awareness activities by recipients:

  • On-site educational signage

  • Regular resident and member communications.

  • Providing a case study for the project once complete

Loudoun County’s Department of General Services will oversee the program, with Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District (LSWCD) as the program’s administer . Expert support will be provided throughout the process, including input from Blue Ridge PRISM, the leading non-profit state expert on invasive plants, as well through contracted invasive plant specialists.

The IPSMP can be read in its entirety here.

What’s Next?

September 15, 2025: First grant application period opens.

Your homework?

Consider getting a site assessment conducted by contacting Leah Sattler of LCSWD at Leah.Sattler@lswcd.org

Using the findings from experts like Leah and Blue Ridge PRISM (if you already have a report from them), determine your project.

Get quotes from contractors for your project. LIRA recommends Invasive Plant Control (contact kayla@ipc.us.com) and Wetlands Studies and Solutions, Inc (contact lroeleveld@wetlands.com). Reimbursement for your project is contingent upon review by LSWCD. Thus it’s important to make sure you use invasive removal experts, an evolving field of which there are few today in the region.

A site assessment report and contractor quotes will be important to have in hand when you apply. For details on the application process and to access the application form, please go here.

Or contact us to join LIRA and stay informed.

  • “This isn’t simply a conservation program. At its core, it’s about public education and behavior change.”

    Vice-Chair Michael Turner

    Loudoun County Board of Supervisors

  • "It is incumbent on the Supervisors to create invasive plant species awareness through our newsletters, social media and town halls.

    Chair Phyllis Randall

  • “If we keep demanding invasives, they will keep selling them. If we can break that chain, we can get ahead of the curve.”

    Ernie Brown

    Director of General Services

  • "LIRA is a core member of the Stakeholder Engagement Committee, who will provide regular input on what's working and what's not working in the program."

    Marc Aveni

    Assistant Director of General Services

  • "We would not be here if not for the vision and passion of LIRA."

    Ernie Brown

    Director of General Services