The Great Invader Raider Rally

Thank you for making the 10th annual Great Invader Raider Rally a success! 

Be a part of this annual tradition and restore our natural areas! You Can Do It! The Annual Great Invader Raider Rally, is a one-day event to clean up the city’s parks and natural areas as part of one of the largest invasive plant awareness events in the nation! During the Great Invader Raider Rally, volunteers are assigned to a location where they will remove invasive plants.

After removing invasive plants, volunteers are invited to a Celebration at Morningside Nature Center to engage with various organizations tabling, have fun with our MC's, and enter the free prize drawings! 

Can't join us for the day of the event? Join us for other clean up opportunities here.

 

Why are invasive species a problem?

Invasive species are fierce competitors and compete with native plants and animals for food and living space. More than 50% of Florida’s native listed rare plants are threatened by invasive species through direct destruction or crowding.  Invasive species have no natural control agent to keep them in check like they are in their native range. 

Invasives know no boundaries and will grow beyond a homeowner's yard and into neighboring natural areas.
Florida consistently has one of the highest numbers of invasive plants in the United States. One of the reasons is because 70% of all plant shipments that come into the United States, come through Florida’s ports. Approximately 130 invasive plant species currently pose a threat to Florida’s natural areas.

What can you do to prevent the spread of invasive species?

Landscaping with native plants is a good start. Native plants typically need less water and care than exotic ornamentals and are better for native wildlife that live within the city such as birds and butterflies.  Ensuring you have the right plant for the right space is key.  Check out the Florida Native Plant Society's website FNPS Plant Search for more information on what plants would work in your area. 
 
Also, do not release exotic pets into natural areas. Many exotic pets like tropical fish, snakes, lizards, and frogs can live very well in north central Florida, but they also compete with native animals for food and shelter.

Unwanted exotic pets should be given to another caretaker or brought to an Exotic Pet Amnesty Days event where they will be provided with a proper home.

Invasive Plant Control Resources

Paynes Prairie Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

 UF/IFAS Extension Natural Resources Information

UF/IFAS Controlling Plants in North FL Forests

Florida Invasive Species Partnership

 

 

Learn more about non-native invasive plants

View these six short videos on common plants with details about how to identify and properly remove them.

You can also visit the Gainesville Greenway Challenge page to find out how you can help our natural areas year-round.

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