Mitigating the Risk of Economic and Ecological Harm Posed by Invasive Species in the Dragon Run Watershed

Invasive plant species cause significant economic and ecological harm, posing ongoing management challenges. The number of invasive species—both plant and animal—in the Commonwealth of Virginia is rising, threatening biodiversity, ecosystem services, and local economies.

William & Mary students are assisting Friends of the Dragon Run in creating an integrative invasive species monitoring and mitigation strategy for engaging landowners, public land managers, and youth. 

This includes: (1) an extensive review of literature and technical reports to identify the top invasive species in the region and relevant management strategies, (2) a map outlining the extent and impact of invasive species across the area, and (3) an exploration of the social, economic, cultural, and ecological consequences of invasive species.

The strategy goal is to increase understanding and mitigating of the impacts of invasive species on the ecologically, culturally, and socioeconomically important Dragon Run ecosystem.