The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) and the Fairfax County Park Foundation (FCPF) are grateful to the Hilton Worldwide Corporate employees for their monetary donation and for their volunteering to help remove invasive plants from Lewinsville Park in McLean.

In a display of great partnership, volunteers from Plant NoVA Natives worked with FCPA’s Invasive Management Area (IMA) Program Staff to plan and implement a large volunteer workday for Hilton Worldwide Corporate headquarters staff. Dr. Margaret Fisher, Chair for Plant NoVA Natives Outreach Committee stated, “the success of the regional native tree campaign depends on everyone’s participation, including our local corporations and the people who work there, so we are very grateful to the Hilton volunteers for their hard work and support.”

Approximately 60 Hilton team members learned how invasive species reduce wildlife habitat and threaten mature trees. The volunteers picked up tools and removed aggressive porcelainberry vines to create space for native plants and save Lewinsville Park trees. The Hilton volunteers also learned about proper planting techniques and planted 40 native trees in the newly cleared area. Volunteers left Lewinsville Park that day knowing that the effort they gave will help to protect trees and enhance the urban forest. The Park Authority staff are grateful for the contributions made by the Hilton volunteers. The partnership is an excellent example of the Chinese proverb, “many hands make light work!”

With the donation from Hilton to FCPF, IMA Staff purchased trees, tools and supplies that supports the restoration of the Lewinsville Park, which will also provide support for future volunteer activities. Volunteers are critical in helping the Park Authority manage invasive species on parkland. Donations further protect the parks by giving a greater capacity to control invasive species through contractor support where volunteers may not be able to reach. Donations may be made directly to the IMA Program through the Park County Park Foundation. Interested groups may reach out to the IMA Program to request volunteer opportunities.