Remove. Trade. Restore.

Oceana Conservation District is launching a “trade-in” program to help you reclaim your property from invasive Japanese barberry. This invasive shrub degrades soil, outcompetes native flora, and creates a humid microclimate that harbors Lyme disease-carrying ticks. Because deer won’t eat its thorny branches, it spreads unchecked, threatening our local ecosystem. By replacing barberry with native shrubby flora, you’re reducing public health risks and restoring the biological integrity of West Michigan. Our “trade-in” model turns education into action.

Register for one of our three drop off dates, receive through email best practices for removal, treatment, and management, remove it from your property, bring your Japanese barberry clippings to the Oceana Conservation District on your registered day to be properly disposed of, and get a coupon for a free 1-gallon Michigan native shrub from Black Cap Farms. Native replacements available on our curated list include ninebark, snowberry, shrubby cinquefoil, black chokeberry, and winterberry holly.

Ready to reclaim your backyard? Sign up for a drop-off day! If you have any questions or comments, please email Stewardship Coordinator, Emma Waatti at emma.waatti@macd.org.