It looks beautiful each spring, but the Callery pear has a complicated story. In the March episode of Nature Boost, we discuss how a popular ornamental tree introduced decades ago became one of Missouri's most problematic plants. Hear about its rise and spread, learn about new legislation banning its sale, and discover how the Missouri Invasive Plant Council's Callery Pear Buyback Program is helping Missourians replace Callery pears with native trees.

This episode features interviews with MDC Forestry Programs Supervisor Russell Hinnah, Missouri State Representative Bruce Sassmann, and Missouri Prairie Foundation Executive Director Carol Davit.

Have an invasive Callery pear on your property? Register for the Callery Pear Buyback Program March 16 - April 16 to receive a free, native tree to replace it! Learn more at Pear Buyback | Missouri Invasive Plant Council

Nature Boost takes a fun look at the plants, animals and outdoor experiences that make Missouri special through engaging stories and expert interviews. New episodes are released on the third Thursday of each month. Have an idea for an episode? Send us a message at Nature Boost | Missouri Department of Conservation

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