Japanese Barberry Trade-up Days
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Like many invasive species, Japanese barberry 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 for a coupon good for a non-invasive alternative*. Here's how it works: For the 2025 events, ISN is partnering with the Manistee and Leelanau Conservation Districts. Pre-registered individuals can bring their removed barberry shrubs to either 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. 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. 2025 events:
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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2025 Businesses Coming Soon!
       
*Each Japanese barberry plant exchanged will result in the receipt of a $5.00 coupon. A household may receive up to $50.00 in 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 Richard King Mellon Foundation. |
