Become a Weed Warrior
About Become a Weed Warrior
Weed Warrior volunteers support the City of Rockville by removing invasive plant species from parkland, wooded areas, and open spaces, where invasive species can overtake native plants and trees. Volunteers typically spend several hours at scheduled times removing invasive species under the direction of a team leader.
2026 Pull for the Planet: Volunteer Garlic Mustard Pull
Help restore native habitat and earn SSL hours by removing non-native invasive garlic mustard from Rockville parks. Ages 8+. Registration is required via the links below. Please bring work or garden gloves if you have them.
| Date | Time | Location/Registration Link |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, April 19 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Fallsgrove Park |
| Saturday, April 25 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Woottons Mill Park |
| Saturday, April 25 | 10 a.m. – noon | Woodley Gardens Park |
| Sunday, April 26 | 9 – 11 a.m. | Anderson Park |
| Sunday, April 26 | 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Croydon Creek Nature Center |
| Sunday, April 26 | 2 – 4 p.m. | Twinbrook Park |
| Saturday, May 2 | 10 a.m. – noon | Dawson Farm Park |
| Saturday, May 2 | 1 – 3 p.m. | RedGate Park |
| Sunday, May 3 | 10 a.m. – noon | Woodley Gardens Park |
| Sunday, May 3 | 3 – 5 p.m. | Dogwood Park |
| Saturday, May 9 | 9 – 11 a.m. | Rockcrest Park |
Why remove garlic mustard?
Garlic mustard spreads rapidly and chokes out native plants, leaving less room for local wildlife to thrive. By controlling it, we can help preserve the natural balance and beauty of our parks and green spaces.
Qualifications
Volunteers must be certified Weed Warriors through Montgomery Parks or work under the supervision of a certified Weed Warrior to remove invasive species in Rockville parks. Volunteers must be physically able to move through wooded and open space areas and pull invasive plants.
Upcoming Workdays
Join Rockville Weed Warrior leaders for a non-native invasive plant removal workday. Space is limited, and online registration is required. Volunteers must agree to follow the Rockville Weed Warrior Program Conditions and Safety Guidelines.
MCPS Student Service Learning (SSL) hours are available. Volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers under 16 may use tools only if a parent or guardian is present and at their discretion.
Tips
- Wear long pants that cover your ankles, long sleeves, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Bring gloves, pruners, and loppers if you have them. Gloves and tools are available to borrow if
needed. Power tools and machetes are not allowed. - Bring plenty of drinking water.
Request to Work Independently
If you are a certified Weed Warrior interested in individually removing non-native invasive plants from a Rockville park, please email Shannon Philbin at sphilbin@rockvillemd.gov. Include the following details in your request:
- A map of the park or specific locations where you plan to work.
- The names of the species you intend to target.
- The dates and/or frequency of your planned work.
After your work, use the form below to report your efforts to remove non-native invasive plant species from City of Rockville parks.
Disclaimer
The information and events listed on this page are not part of the Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Training and Certification Program. For information on training, certification, and events hosted by Montgomery Parks, visit the Montgomery Parks Weed Warrior Program page. Please note that participation in the Montgomery Parks program requires a commitment to removing invasive species in Montgomery Parks, not just within the City of Rockville.
contact
Jump To
Contact
Shannon Philbin
Public Works Department
Environmental Management Division
240-314-8877
sphilbin@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.