With spring approaching, conservation departments are urging citizens to replace an invasive species due to ecological concerns. In partnership, the Missouri Invasive Plant Council (MoIP), Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, Forrest Keeling Nursery, Deep Roots and the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will host a Callery pear “buyback” program in locations around the state from 3-6 p.m. on April 18. “Homeowners are invited to cut down one or more Callery pear trees and receive one free, non-invasive tree at this event,” states MoIP. “To be eligible for one free native tree, participants must register and submit a photo of their cut down Callery pear. One free native tree will be provided to each registered participant at the selected location on the day of the event.” Native to China, the Callery pear, also known as Bradford pear, is a deciduous tree and was brought to the United States in 1917 for hybridization with fruiting pears to improve disease resistance. “The Bradford…