Councilmember Evan Glass presents proclamation honoring volunteers

WHEATON, Md. — This morning, the Montgomery County Council honored the Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Volunteer Program with a proclamation, celebrating its volunteers for their critical role in preserving the county’s natural resources. Councilmember Evan Glass commended the program for its powerful impact on both the environment and civic engagement.

“The Weed Warrior Program is a shining example of how volunteers can make a measurable difference in our community,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Glass, chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee. “By restoring native habitats and protecting biodiversity, these volunteers are not only caring for our parks—they’re caring for our planet and each other.”

The parks department’s Weed Warrior Program enlists and trains volunteers to identify and remove non-native, invasive plants that threaten the health of forests, streams, and native ecosystems in parks across the county. Since its launch in 1999, the program has mobilized thousands of community members in the shared mission of environmental stewardship, contributing tens of thousands of hours of service.

“Weed Warriors play an important role in protecting the county’s natural beauty and ecological health,” said Miti Figueredo, director of Montgomery Parks. “We rely on their help to protect our parks for future generations, and we are so grateful for their passion, dedication, and commitment to community service.”

In 2024, Weed Warriors volunteered over 13,700 hours and saved almost 20,000 trees and shrubs from invasive vines. The value of the volunteer time in dollars for 2024 equates to $481,498. (nearly $500,000)

Volunteers receive specialized training in plant identification and safe removal techniques during workdays in parks throughout the county. No prior experience is necessary—just a love for the outdoors and a willingness to get your hands dirty in service of the environment.

“Our Weed Warrior events are a great way to help protect our natural areas, work alongside great people and get a great workout”, remarked long-time Weed Warrior Supervisor Volunteer Ed Murtagh.

Residents interested in joining a volunteer workday event can learn more at Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior webpage.

About Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks manages more than 37,000 acres of parkland, consisting of 415 parks. Montgomery Parks is focused on promoting physical activity, social connectivity, and environmental stewardship, especially in diverse and urbanizing areas, with an emphasis on teens, working-age adults, and seniors. Montgomery Parks is a department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), a bi-county agency established in 1927 to steward public land. M-NCPPC has been nationally recognized for its high-quality parks and recreation services and is regarded as a national model by other parks systems. MontgomeryParks.org

Accessibility

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities. Please contact the Program Access Office at 301-495-2581 (Voice/TTY), MD Relay 7-1-1 or 800-552-7724 or ProgramAccess@MontgomeryParks.org to request a disability modification. Visit Montgomery Parks Accessibility for more information.

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