HARRISBURG, PA — A new initiative in Pennsylvania aims to tackle the growing threat of invasive plants while enhancing the state’s natural landscapes. Through the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program, residents can receive free native trees and shrubs in exchange for removing invasive species from their properties.
The program, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, focuses on combating the ecological damage caused by invasive plants, which outcompete native species, harm wildlife habitats, and endanger local ecosystems. Residents who remove up to five invasive plants can participate by attending exchange events held at five locations statewide throughout May.
“Invasive species crowd out native plants, damage ecosystems, and make it harder for pollinators and birds to thrive,” said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. By removing invasive trees and shrubs and replacing them with native species, the program encourages Pennsylvanians to restore ecological balance and support biodiversity.
Participation is straightforward. Residents must remove an invasive plant from their property and provide a photo of the removed plant either via pre-registration or during the event. Trees and shrubs will be available at these events on a first-come, first-served basis.
Key locations for the events include Erie, Darby, Carlisle, Greensburg, and Scranton, with dates spanning from May 3 to May 18. Species available for replacement include alternatives to Callery pear, tree-of-heaven, Japanese barberry, and other problematic invasive plants. For more on invasive plants and how to get involved, visit DCNR’s website or Agriculture’s website.
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding emphasized the broader impact, noting that invasive species also threaten farms and forests. “Replacing invasives with beneficial natives is a way homeowners can eliminate threats to their farming neighbors and attract pollinators that will continue to benefit farms and beautify Pennsylvania landscapes,” he said.
The program is spearheaded by a coalition of organizations, including DCNR, the Department of Agriculture, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. With partnerships like these, Pennsylvania hopes to curb the spread of invasive species while promoting sustainable long-term solutions that benefit residents and the environment alike.
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