Photo: Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - June 6, 2025

Let’s Plant Trees, a non-profit organization based in Lutsen, MN, focused on reforestation and community engagement in Northeast Minnesota, has announced the distribution of 20,000 free native tree seedlings in 2025 - their biggest season yet. The seedlings were provided to individuals, families, and landowners at four pickup events in Lutsen, Grand Marais, Virginia, and Two Harbors.

The organization stated that many of the distributed seedlings were sourced from growers based in Minnesota. Mike Nicklow, co-founder of Let’s Plant Trees, described this as part of a "farm to forest" movement. "This isn’t just about trees; it’s about rebuilding forest resilience and supporting Minnesota farmers at the same time," Nicklow stated in a press release. He added, "When you connect people directly with native trees grown right here in Minnesota, everybody wins."

The distribution included 12 native species, such as yellow birch, white cedar, various oaks, and maples, as well as three types of pine. Let's Plant Trees shared that this species diversity is an intentional strategy. "Planting a mix of species helps forests better withstand climate stress, wildfires, and invasive pests like the emerald ash borer (EAB), now found in several Arrowhead counties," the organization noted. (Emerald Ash Borer was recently discovered for the second time in Lake County, prompting the start of public outreach events in Cook County. Read more here.) Nicklow further commented on this, stating, "EAB has already devastated ash populations across Minnesota. Combined with the die-off of spruce and balsam from spruce budworm, it’s clear we need to plant diverse species to build forests that can adapt to future threats."

Let’s Plant Trees also donated remaining seedlings to aid in forest recovery efforts as large wildfires burned (and continue to burn in some places) in the Brimson area. The donated seedlings will help to contribute to the regeneration process in the area.

The organization was founded by Mike and Carrie Nicklow in 2023. Before this season's record-breaking 20,000 free seedling distribution, Let's Plant Trees distributed 500 seedlings in 2023 and 5,000 in 2024. In addition to distributions, the Nicklows shared that they provide year-round educational programming, offer presentations throughout the community, and support volunteer-led planting projects in the region.

Let’s Plant Trees has announced plans to distribute 35,000 free native seedlings in spring 2026. These distributions are scheduled across six locations in Northeast Minnesota, with Grand Rapids and Ely being added to the existing sites. 

To learn more about Let's Plant Trees, visit: letsplanttrees.org.