Communities across Loudoun County, Virginia, are once again coming together to combat one of the region’s most damaging invasive pests. This late March and early April, the Scrape for the Grape™: Keep Loudoun’s Vineyards Spotted-less campaign is mobilizing volunteers to remove spotted lanternfly egg masses and help protect local vineyards, farms, and forests.

Now entering its third year, the program has grown into one of Loudoun County’s largest volunteer-driven awareness and conservation efforts. The 2026 campaign is the most ambitious yet, expanding to three volunteer days across 20 locations, including wineries, parks, and homeowners’ associations throughout the county.

Organizers hope the expanded effort will continue to build momentum in the fight against the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), an invasive insect threatening vineyards, fruit trees, and hardwood forests across the eastern United States.

A Growing Coalition Protecting Loudoun’s Wine Country

Scrape for the Grape was launched in 2024 through a partnership between Visit Loudoun, the Loudoun Invasive Removal Alliance (LIRA), Loudoun County, the Virginia Cooperative Extension of Loudoun County, and the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association.

In 2026, the coalition expanded to include the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, which joined to help strengthen outreach and volunteer engagement. Amazon also returned for its second year as a sponsor, supporting the growing community initiative.

“Many of our volunteers have already experienced firsthand how rewarding and impactful this effort can be,” said Tom Kercheval, Executive Director of Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. “We’re proud to join as an official partner and help engage even more residents in protecting Loudoun’s agricultural heritage.”

The campaign highlights the importance of community action in protecting Loudoun’s rural economy, particularly its thriving wine industry.

“Loudoun’s vineyards are not only a source of economic vitality but also a cherished part of our identity,” said Beth Erickson, President and CEO of Visit Loudoun. “It’s inspiring to see this community effort grow each year, uniting residents to protect Loudoun’s agritourism and DC’s Wine Country®.”

Stopping the Spread Before It Starts

The spotted lanternfly feeds on plant sap and can severely damage grapevines and other crops. Left unchecked, the insect can weaken plants, reduce yields, and threaten agricultural operations.

Scrape for the Grape focuses on one of the most effective early-season management strategies: removing lanternfly egg masses before they hatch.

During volunteer events, participants are trained to identify egg masses and remove them using credit-card-sized scrapers. Each egg mass eliminated can prevent dozens of lanternflies from emerging later in the spring.

Volunteers also learn to identify the tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), an invasive plant species that serves as the lanternfly’s preferred host tree. These trees are marked for future removal to help further reduce lanternfly habitat.

Measurable Impact Through Community Science

Since the campaign began, nearly 1,200 volunteers have participated in Scrape for the Grape events. Together, they have prevented an estimated nine million spotted lanternflies from hatching in Loudoun County.

The effort demonstrates how community engagement can play a powerful role in invasive species management.

“Residents are just now beginning to realize how invasive plants threaten Loudoun’s economy, health, safety, and environment,” said Mike Littman, president of LIRA. “Scrape for the Grape has emerged as a powerful public awareness event, uniting eastern and western Loudoun into one of the county’s largest volunteer movements—and it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Protecting a Vital Agricultural Industry

Loudoun County is home to one of the most prominent wine regions in the Mid-Atlantic. Often referred to as DC’s Wine Country®, the county has more than 850 acres of vineyards producing approximately 2,300 tons of grapes each year. The region supports more than 50 wineries that produce over 25 grape varieties.

For vineyard owners, managing invasive pests such as the spotted lanternfly is essential to maintaining vine health and the long-term sustainability of their businesses.

“The spotted lanternfly is a huge threat to our vineyards and our livelihood,” said Bill Hatch, owner of Zephaniah Farm Vineyard. “My hope is that Scrape for the Grape will continue to build awareness of the threat that all invasive species have on farming and on the beautiful Loudoun natural environment.”

A Community Volunteer Event for All Ages

Scrape for the Grape volunteer events are designed to be family-friendly and accessible, inviting residents of all ages to help protect their community.

To thank volunteers for their efforts, several participating wineries offer special discounts to participants who present their Scrape for the Grape bandana, commemorative T-shirt, or scraping card. Local favorite Mom’s Apple Pie even provides lanternfly-shaped cookies for young volunteers.

The events provide a unique opportunity to combine education, community engagement, and conservation action while supporting Loudoun’s agricultural landscape.

A Model for Invasive Species Awareness

As the campaign continues to grow, organizers hope Scrape for the Grape will inspire other communities to take similar action against invasive species threats.

By empowering residents with simple tools and knowledge, the initiative demonstrates how grassroots efforts can help protect ecosystems, agriculture, and local economies.

Volunteers interested in participating can learn more and register at LoudounInvasives.com.