News & Alerts

For the latest closures and notices, visit https://www.facebook.com/metroparks.

Help Control Invasive Species in Butler County During Pearmageddon

Mar 5, 2026, 17:09 PM by Katie Ely-Wood


Callery Pear trees are invasive, foul-smelling, and harmful to Ohio’s suburban, urban, and rural landscapes. Help reduce their spread during Pearmageddon!

Now through April 2, Butler County residents who remove a Callery Pear, invasive Burning Bush, or Japanese Barberry from their property can receive a free native plant from MetroParks. These invasive species outcompete indigenous plants and quickly spread into natural areas, replacing vegetation that Ohio wildlife depends on. They provide little to no food or habitat for native birds, insects, and pollinators.

By removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species, you can help restore local habitats and support the wildlife that call Butler County home.

Ready your chainsaws and join us to help our environment become more healthy (and less smelly) this spring! 

Pearmageddon Requirements:

Pearmageddon is open only to Butler County residents, while supplies last. Limit one plant or tree per household. Participants must be able to pick up their native plant on:

Saturday, April 4th
Rentschler Forest MetroPark
9:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m. 

Participants will also need to submit a picture of themselves (or a family member) with their cut tree or shrub. All information will be collected in the Pearmageddon Submission Form. Click here to access the form. 

Native Replacement Plants Include: 

  • Allegheny Serviceberry
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Arrowwood Viburnum
  • Common Ninebark
  • Red Chokeberry
  • Red Osier Dogwood
  • Spicebush

Need help identifying a Callery Pear, Burning Bush or Japanese Barberry? Looking for stump treatment options so these plants don't return? Visit our blog post for helpful tips.  

  • VOA Welcome Center Closed 5/5/25

    Apr 29, 2026, 14:51 PM

    The Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center will be closed from 10 am - 1 pm on 5/5/25.

  • Sycamore Grove Trail

    Apr 24, 2026, 09:57 AM

    The Sycamore Grove Trail at Governor Bebb MetroParks has reopened to the public. The trail is non-ADA accessible until gravel replacement work can be completed.

  • MetroParks Cashless Beginning 1/1/26

    Nov 26, 2025, 10:44 AM

    MetroParks is keeping it cashless beginning 1/1/26. Credit and debit cards are welcome at MetroParks' Administrative Office and Voice of America MetroPark Welcome Center. Cash will still be accepted for on-site program registration.

  • Tylersville Trail Closures 2025-2026

    Aug 29, 2025, 15:18 PM

    Voice of America MetroParks' Tylersville Trail will be closed west of Field 20 to Crosley to facilitate USS Cincinnati construction.

  • Sebald MetroPark Closures

    May 12, 2025, 09:52 AM

    The Ridge Trail at Sebald MetroParks is closed due to trail rerouting work.

  • Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trail Closures

    Nov 12, 2024, 11:08 AM

    Portions of the Voice of America MetroPark Cross Country Trails will be closed for trail rerouting work. Trail closures will be marked with signs and barricades.