FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2026
City of Charlottesville and Partners Kick-off 2nd Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Partners of the Charlottesville Invasive Plant Partnership (CHIPP) are excited to observe National Invasive Species Awareness Week for the second year in a row! From February 23–27, 2026, this annual observance will highlight the importance of protecting native species and our urban tree canopy from invasive vines and other invasive species that pose challenges to tree health, safety, and climate resilience.
Over the course of their week-long celebration, CHIPP and their members aim to improve environmental literacy, build skills, and connect with and encourage community members to feel empowered to be stewards of our urban tree canopy.
Residents are encouraged to connect with CHIPP by participating in any and all of the free upcoming events hosted by CHIPP partners throughout the week of February 23-27, 2026. These events include:
- Botanical Garden of the Piedmont Invasives Walk
- Monday, February 23
- 10 – 11:30 AM at the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
- RSVP HERE (link)
- Pen Park Invasives Tour with the Rivanna Forest Restoration Partnership
- Tuesday, February 24
- 3 – 4 PM, meet at the Pen Park picnic pavilions
- RSVP HERE (link)
- CHIPP General Meeting at Carver Rec
- Thursday, February 26
- 3:30 – 5PM, Carver Recreation Conference Room
- Let us know you’re coming at cvillechipp@gmail.com!
- CHIPP NISAW Open House and Resource Fair
- Friday, February 27
- 4:30 – 6:30 PM at CitySpace (100 5th Street NE)
- RSVP HERE (link)
Can’t make it to any of our local events for NISAW? Check out resources from our partners here (link). For the full calendar of NISAW events throughout the state, please visit blueridgeprism.org/nisaw-2026.
Media Contact
Gabriel Sherzada
Climate Program Specialist
Office of Sustainability
434-962-3843
sherzadag@charlottesville.gov