MDC and Partners Offering Callery Pear Buyback Program in St. Joseph
Many trees blooming white along roadsides in early spring are non-native and invasive Callery pear varieties that do little to benefit wildlife, such as songbirds.
The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, and Forrest Keeling Nursery to host a Callery pear “buyback” program on April 23.
The Saint Joseph area is included in the buyback for the first time this year thanks to efforts by MDC’s Northwest Regional Office.
People with Callery pear trees on their property can cut down their tree and receive a free, native tree in return.
Participants must register in advance and upload a photo of the Callery pear they have cut down.
The free native trees provided in return will be available for pickup in Saint Joseph from 3 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at the Remington Nature Center parking lot.
