Restoring Nature: BLIA Washington D.C. Chapter Members Join Habitat Restoration Effort to Combat Invasive Vines
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
[Reported by Mingsheng Chen, Washington D.C., USA]
On March 15, 2025, eight members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) Washington, D.C. Chapter joined over 50 residents of Northern Virginia in a habitat restoration event organized by the Fairfax County Park Authority's Invasive Management Area (FCPA IMA) program. The event, themed “Love the Earth, Save the Trees, Cut the Vines,” aimed to remove invasive vines, protect the local ecosystem, and raise public awareness about environmental conservation.
Invasive vines were originally introduced for landscape beautification but have since become a severe ecological threat due to their rapid growth, which surpasses that of native plants. Species such as Wintercreeper, Porcelain Berry, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Oriental Bittersweet wrap around trees, hindering their growth and even causing them to die. Additionally, these vines disrupt wildlife habitats, damage native plant communities, and obstruct drainage systems.
BLIA Washington, D.C. Chapter President Elizabeth Hsu compared the invasive vines to afflictions in the mind, stated: “Just as these vines strangle trees, preventing them from growing freely, our inner worries and attachments can obscure our innate Buddha-nature, leading us astray. Through this activity, we not only restore the natural environment but also inspire participants to remove the ‘vines of affliction’ within themselves and rediscover their true, pure nature."
During the event, participants worked along the Difficult Run Stream Valley Trail in Fairfax County, using tools to carefully remove vines wrapped around trees and clear surrounding invasive plants. Despite the labor-intensive work, everyone remained enthusiastic, eager to contribute to environmental protection.
BLIA member Li Mei-Gao, a Northern Virginia resident, shared her experience: "This was my first time participating in such an event, and I was shocked by the impact these vines have on the environment. It made me realize that each of us can do something for the planet, even if it's just cutting a few vines. Seeing everyone work together so passionately was truly moving."
Sara Holtz, IMA Site leaders for Difficult Run Stream Valley Park, Oakton, Virginia, emphasized the importance of controlling invasive vines, noting that they not only harm trees but also outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity. Additionally, unchecked vine growth can clog drainage systems, increasing maintenance costs for local communities. Regular removal efforts are essential for maintaining ecological balance.
This event served not only as an environmental conservation initiative but also as a demonstration of community solidarity. BLIA Washington, D.C. Chapter hopes to encourage more people to engage in environmental protection through such activities. The association plans to continue collaborating with the Fairfax County Park Authority on future habitat restoration projects.
Furthermore, BLIA will organize educational workshops and lectures to inform the community about the dangers of invasive plants and effective control methods. The "Love the Earth, Save the Trees, Cut the Vines" initiative is more than just a slogan—it is a call to action. BLIA Washington, D.C. Chapter urges everyone to take part in protecting our shared home and making the planet a better place.
