Baltimore City Weed Warriors is a city-wide program developed to maintain the health of Baltimore’s urban forest. Certified Weed Warriors are environmental stewards trained in non-native invasive (NNI) plant management for enhancing native ecosystems; they participate in citizen science and host stewardship events in parks all around the city to help protect natural areas, people, and biodiversity.

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Certified Weed Warriors are volunteers and advocates permitted to work in City Parks and remove NNI plants without the supervision of park employees. To become certified in the Pathway 1 tract for vine management, volunteers complete a [free] 2-part class series and participate in one group NNI plant removal event. The class curriculum includes: NNI impacts on Baltimore’s urban ecosystem, NNI vine identification (e.g. English ivy, porcelainberry, round bittersweet, and Japanese honeysuckle), removal methods, and leadership training.

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The Pathway 2 certification will be available beginning in 2026, permitting stewards to address an expanded range of plant species on public parkland.

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After completing all requirements for a given pathway, participants become Certified Weed Warriors and receive: permission to steward public parkland, a certification card, a Weed Warriors t-shirt, NNI plant identification guide, along with dedicated support from the Weed Warriors leadership team. The training is free and open to any individual interested in learning more about the importance of nature and biodiversity in Baltimore City.

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Support your community and natural areas by joining the Baltimore Weed Warriors!