Japanese Barberry Trade-up Days
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Like many invasive species, Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) was introduced to the United States as an ornamental. Its hardy nature and red berries made it an attractive addition to landscapes in the late nineteenth century. Unfortunately, those qualities also allow it to spread voraciously beyond garden boundaries and into nearby natural areas. Unappetizing to deer because of its thorny stems, barberry is left unchecked and quickly takes over - pushing out native plant species and severely reducing the amount of wildlife that can live in an area. Additionally, research shows that a barberry's dense foliage creates a perfect, humid climate for blacklegged ticks that carry Lyme disease - a fact that also creates a public health risk.
ISN is giving landowners the opportunity to trade-in Japanese barberry shrubs for a coupon* good for a non-invasive alternative! Here's how it works: Individuals who register for the events can bring their removed barberry shrubs to one of the events listed below to be disposed of correctly. In exchange, they will be given a coupon* to a local horticultural business that participates in ISN's Go Beyond Beauty program in Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, & Manistee counties. This ensures that any replacement plant or service will be non-invasive and support an array of wildlife! This is a great opportunity to transition your landscape to one that does not threaten nearby natural areas. While these businesses can help you find an alternative - here are a few examples. Need help with identification? Visit this page to learn more about what barberry looks like and proper management. Also, check out this video created by Nature Change that breaks down WHY barberry is a problem and WHAT you can do to help!
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2026 Participating Businesses:        *Each Japanese barberry plant exchanged will result in the receipt of a $5.00 coupon. A household/property may receive up to $40.00 in coupons. Registrants must be present at events to receive coupons.
For more information or questions, please contact ISN Go Beyond Beauty Specialist, Shelly Stusick - [email protected]
This project is funded in part by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program (MISGP). |
