HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) – Today is the deadline to pre-register for the Callery Pear Exchange Program in Harrisonburg.

The Department of Forestry established the exchange program to promote the removal of the Callery Pear, a non-native, invasive tree threatening local ecosystems, and to reduce their spread throughout Virginia.

Harrisonburg is hosting a one-day tree exchange event, Saturday, April 12, at Thomas Harrison Middle School for residents removing Callery Pears from privately-owned land.

Those registered will receive an equal number of young, native replacement trees to those removed — up to 3 trees.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Pre-registration is required and ends today.

Sign up at Callery Pear Exchange Program : Virginia Department of Forestry.