Barberry Trade-up Days

Help protect Michigan's forests by trading in your invasive Japanese barberry for a free native shrub! Barberry is an aggressive invasive shrub that crowds out wildflowers, native plants, and chokes out the habitat that birds, pollinators, and wildlife depend on. Barberry's dense canopy and branching structure also creates ideal conditions for ticks to thrive. By removing it from your property and replacing it with a native species, you'll be making a real difference for the forests and natural areas of our region.

The Basics: Bring in your Japanese barberry — either the whole plant or proof of disposal — and take home one free native shrub per plant, up to 5 per household, while supplies last. Not sure if your shrub is barberry? Text or email a photo to Katie at 231-495-8185 or cakecisma@macd.org and we'll help you identify it! CAKE CISMA will be on hand at each event to answer questions and point you toward the best native replacement options for your yard or property.

Event Locations & Times:

• Saturday, June 6 | 12–3 pm — Charlevoix Conservation District Native Plant Sale, 303 North St, Boyne City, MI 49712

• Friday & Saturday, June 19–20 | 11 am–4 pm both days — Antrim Conservation District Native Plant Sale, Torch Conservation Center, 9046 Helena Rd, Alden, MI 49612

• Weekdays in June, by appointment — Drop off at the CAKE CISMA Office; email cakecisma@macd.org or text Katie at 231-495-8185 to arrange a time

What should I bring?

• Your invasive barberry. Whole plant or proof of disposal (required to receive a free shrub). Please bag it in a black garbage bag if possible.

• Questions! We're happy to talk through removal tips, native plant options, and more

Registration is not required for the plant sale events, just show up! For office drop-offs, please contact us (text, call or email) in advance to schedule a time. Thank you for helping protect Michigan's native landscapes!