Cut down a callery pear, get a native tree: Erie County buyback runs through Nov. 30

Erie County residents who take out an invasive tree or shrub this fall can trade it for a native one. The deadline to send in proof is Nov. 30.

The Invasive Species Buy Back Program is run by Erie MetroParks and the Erie Soil and Water Conservation District, which say the goal is healthier watersheds. Any Erie County resident can take part, as long as the plant comes off their own property.

Which plants count

• Callery pear
• Tree of heaven
• Autumn olive
• Bush honeysuckle

The program page links to guides for identifying and controlling each one.

What you get

One native plant per household, first come, first served. The choices are bur oak, nannyberry and common ninebark.

How to take part

1. Cut down the invasive plant.
2. Take a photo of yourself with it. The program asks for close-up photos too, so staff can confirm what it is.
3. Submit the photos through the online form by Nov. 30.

Don't remove anything from the tree lawn, the strip between the public sidewalk and the street. The program says those trees and shrubs are off limits. The two agencies also say they aren't responsible for injuries from removal work.

What we don't know yet

Pickup dates for the native plants haven't been set; the program says they will be announced after the Nov. 30 deadline. The page doesn't say how many plants are available or how big they are.

Questions go to Tara Kauffman at Erie MetroParks, 419-625-7783, ext. 236, or Breann Hohman at the conservation district, 419-626-5211.

Source: Erie MetroParks, Invasive Species Buy Back Program