Forest ReLeaf of Missouri

In mid-February, the federal government cut a $4.7 million grant to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Community Roots Program. It brings trees to low-income communities. Beyond Housing, Forest ReLeaf and the Friends of the Bellefontaine Cemetery would have planted thousands of trees with the funding.

The Bradford pear is an invasive species that grows so quickly it can displace Missouri’s native wildlife. Local organizations are offering free native trees to Missourians who remove an invasive pear tree.

Missouri residents have until April 15 to register to receive a free noninvasive, native tree in exchange for cutting down a single Bradford pear tree in their yard. Pick up will be hosted at nearly a dozen locations across the state on April 23.

A local organization is asking for data on Ozark witch hazel to better understand the timing of the plant’s blooms and how that might relate to the changing climate.