The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in collaboration with several partners, is hosting a Callery Pear Tree Buyback event on April 22 from 3–6 p.m. across multiple communities in the state. Also known as Bradford pears, these non-native, invasive trees spread aggressively, harm native ecosystems, and have weak structures that make them prone to breaking in storms. Missourians can register for the buyback event from March 17 to April 17, exchanging Callery pear trees for native alternatives. More information and registration details are available at moinvasives.org.

O’Fallon’s 24th annual Earth Day event invites volunteers to help beautify the community by planting flowers, spreading mulch, clearing invasive plants, and cleaning up debris along roads and creeks. The event takes place from 9–11 a.m., followed by a celebratory picnic with food, fun, and giveaways from 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Open to families, organizations, businesses, and individuals, space is limited based on project needs. Pre-registration is required by April 18 (or sooner if spots fill up). Volunteers under 15 must be accompanied by an adult, and those participating in flower planting must be at least 15.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) plans to cut 10,000 jobs and offer buyouts or early retirement to an additional 10,000 employees, a move endorsed by Missouri’s senior U.S. Senator, Josh Hawley. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. aims to reduce government “sprawl” and refocus on the department’s core mission. Hawley supports the cuts, arguing that the federal government is bloated and inefficient. However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists strongly opposes the move, calling it an “attack on public health” that will negatively impact people nationwide. Notices to affected employees are expected to go out Friday.

St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon will launch its Building Trades Program in the 2025-26 school year, becoming one of the few private, co-educational schools in the region to offer hands-on construction trades coursework. The program, available to juniors and seniors, will cover carpentry, electrical, plumbing/pipefitting, and HVAC, aiming to help students explore career opportunities in the trades. The program will be housed in a newly acquired 28,000-sq.-ft. warehouse, purchased with a $2.4 million donation. Renovations are underway, and school leaders emphasize the program’s role in fostering skill development and career readiness.