Raleigh Parks Restores More Than 90 Acres by Expanding Invasive Species Management

Raleigh Parks is making major progress in protecting local parks and natural areas from invasive plants, which are species that spread quickly and harm native plants and wildlife.

In 2024, the Invasive Species Program received $500,000 to launch a Master Services Agreement (MSA). This funding allows the City to hire expert contractors to help remove invasive plants across Raleigh's parks and greenways.

This new support has greatly increased our ability to care for natural spaces, improve safety, and make more areas available for the community to enjoy.

Why This Work Matters

Invasive plants grow fast and can take over important habitats. They block sunlight, crowd out native plants, and limit food and shelter for wildlife. They can also make trails hard to use or unsafe.

To make sure the biggest needs are addressed first, the City created a clear system for choosing project sites. This system looks at things like how much harm invasive plants are causing, how much work is needed to keep an area healthy, and what resources are available. Once a site is selected, staff create a multi-year plan for removing invasive plants and bringing native plants back.

Strong Results Across the City

By the end of FY26, the MSA will have supported projects at 28 parks and greenway locations, improving more than 90 acres of land. These efforts have already created many benefits:

• New usable outdoor spaces in areas that were once too overgrown.
• Better protection for native plants and wildlife that were being pushed out.
• Safer parks and greenways thanks to clearer sightlines.
• Ability to handle large and complex projects that staff could not complete alone.
• New tools and strategies, including goat grazing at Dorothea Dix Park and special treatments to protect ash trees at Walnut Creek Wetland Park.
• More community involvement, with new signs, education materials, and volunteer opportunities.

Skilled Professionals Leading the Work

This progress is possible because Raleigh Parks has a team of trained natural resource professionals who carefully study each site and use science-based methods to guide their work. Their planning, attention to detail, and long-term approach help protect the land now and for future generations.

The program also supports young professionals through partnerships with groups like American Conservation Experience (ACE) and Conservation Corps of North Carolina (CCNC), giving them hands-on experience in conservation work.

What Comes Next

Many invasive species projects require continued treatment over several years. With more MSA support, Raleigh Parks will be able to maintain restored areas, expand into new locations, and protect the investments made since the program began in 2015.

Raleigh Parks remains committed to caring for the natural areas our community values, using thoughtful planning, strong partnerships, and expert guidance every step of the way.

View the Invasive Species Program Master Services Agreement (MSA) Report: FY '25 & FY '26