Weed Warriors on Campus

Weed Warriors on Campus is a volunteer event for UMD students, faculty, staff, and community members that hosts educational invasive species removal events. We meet when the spring and fall semesters are in session, weather permitting. During cold months, please wear appropriate warm outdoor clothing. During hot months, please wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and bring water to drink. Hats are always a good idea. 

There is poison ivy at the work site. Ticks may be present as well. 

SSL hours are available for students in high school, please bring appropriate forms with you to the event. 

Registration is Required so we can inform you of weather-related cancellations:

• September 14, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/c7wBcst1ES4cX6fq9

• September 28, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/g412vWqUQzKHKfDq5

• October 5, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/8zhRpCwjgaSZ7F5Y8

• October 12, 10am - 12pm: Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day with Weed Warriors on Campus! https://forms.gle/VGvxJ3G6AQoxVViC8

• October 26, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/rRK1AWCC5ybtPkcA7

• November 2, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/UxTGiD4NjEumaUAk6

• December 7, 10am - 12pm: https://forms.gle/pBQyAXb4BMpNRXWx5

Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health (UMD Extension). Each event includes an explanation of invasive species in Maryland, a demonstration of which invasive species we will be targeting, and group removal of target plants. Removing these species will improve the health of our native trees and plants, as well as the insects, birds, and animals that our native plants support.  

Weed Warriors on Campus is a great way to get outdoors on campus and meet other people that care about the environment!

This program is led by the University of Maryland Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and the University’s Environmental Finance Center. 

Read more about UMD’s volunteer invasive species control below:

• Do Good Institute Good Neighbor Day 2022 and 2023

This group is inspired by the successful program in Montgomery County Parks, Montgomery Weed Warriors. If you live in Montgomery County, we encourage you to register for their programs as well to support invasive species removal across multiple counties. 

Read about their success in the news here:

• 'Weed Warriors' attack invasive vines killing D.C.-area trees
• Weed Warriors battle plant invaders in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Arboretum is grateful for the intiative in starting this program from Annie O'Connell, 2024 Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Member, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center

Resources

If you'd like to learn more about these plants, please utilize our resources below: