ST. LOUIS — In an effort to cut down the invasive Callery (Bradford) pear trees in Missouri, residents can register to participate in a pear buyback program starting next week.

The fruit of the Callery pear tree attracts insects and other wildlife. Even migratory birds will feed on the fruit of these trees and spread the seeds over a broad region, thus increasing populations.

Invasive species can be detrimental to native pollinating insects, which are vital in pollinating crops.

With rapid growth of the pear trees comes a rapid decline of local ecosystems and reducing important native food sources for pollinators and other wildlife. 

The buyback program is in partnership with the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), the Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).

Registration opens March 15 and runs through April 15. Residents can register online, click on the link for the region they are participating in and follow the steps, according to Billy Haag, forestry manager at Forest ReLeaf of Missouri.

Participants do not need to bring the cut pear tree to Forest ReLeaf or any other participating locations. There will be a section on the registration form for them to submit a photo of them next to the cut down pear tree, Haag said.

In return, participants will receive one free Missouri native tree provided by Forest ReLeaf. No matter how many pear trees participants remove, they only will be eligible for one free tree.

For information about the buyback program, click here.