Southeast Missouri residents can trade invasive Callery pear trees for free native trees

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Residents in southeast Missouri can register beginning March 16 to participate in a Callery pear buyback program aimed at reducing the spread of the invasive tree species.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is partnering with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council, Forest ReLeaf of Missouri and Forrest Keeling Nursery to host the event.

Participants who remove one or more Callery pear trees, often referred to as Bradford pears, from their property can receive a free native tree.

Tree pickup events will be held April 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the following locations:

Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center

• Mineral Area College
• Southeast Missouri State University campus location in Sikeston.

Officials say Callery pear trees were once widely planted as ornamental trees but have spread aggressively into fields and forests, creating problems for both natural ecosystems and urban areas.

Homeowners must register online between March 16 and April 16 and submit a photo showing the removed tree to qualify. Each participating household will receive one free native tree at the April 21 pickup event.

More information and registration details are available at the Missouri Department of Conservation.