Fruit from two trees that can be found locally are being purchased for seed by the Missouri Department of Conservation office in Chillicothe.
Red mulberry will be purchased at $6 per pound beginning today. Red mulberry can be found as a small tree on moist wooded slopes in shaded areas. This is not to be confused with white mulberry, which often grows in fencerows and yards out in the sun. Those with mulberry trees are encouraged to bring some leaves to the office to confirm the species before harvesting the fruit.
Wild plum will be purchased at $1.95 per pound beginning July 7th. The fruit must be ripe and red, orange, or yellow in color. No partially green fruit will be accepted.
People can bring their fruit to the Chillicothe office on a walk-in basis or call 660-646-6122 to make an appointment with MDC staff.