Lutsen, Minnesota — Let’s Plant Trees, a fast-growing Minnesota nonprofit dedicated to reforestation, is now accepting pre-orders for free tree seedlings in spring 2026.
Founded in 2023 and based in Lutsen, Minnesota, Let’s Plant Trees promotes reforestation by empowering individuals, organizations, and communities to plant native trees. The organization provides free native tree seedlings along with clear and practical information on how and where to plant them, fostering a greener, more sustainable future.
In spring 2026, Let’s Plant Trees will host seedling giveaway events in Bemidji, Ely, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Lutsen, Two Harbors, and Virginia, Minnesota. Residents who pre-order seedlings can pick them up at their chosen location; any extras will be available to the public afterward on a first-come, first-served basis.
Since its founding, Let’s Plant Trees has grown at an extraordinary pace, from distributing 500 seedlings in its first year, more than 20,000 in spring 2025, and now preparing to give away 50,000 native tree seedlings in 2026. Each species offered is carefully selected for northern Minnesota’s ecosystems, with a focus on trees that will thrive in changing climate conditions.
“Our mission is simple but powerful: make it easy for people to plant a diverse mix of native trees,” said Mike Nicklow, co-founder of Let’s Plant Trees. “Whether it’s helping a landowner diversify their woods, supporting a city’s recovery from storm damage, or engaging volunteers in hands-on planting, we want to give every Minnesotan a way to be part of our state’s reforestation story.”
Minnesota’s forests face growing challenges—from pests like emerald ash borer and spruce budworm to more frequent extreme weather events. Reforestation with climate-ready native species helps mitigate climate change, protect water quality, and strengthen wildlife habitat. By placing free seedlings directly into the hands of residents, Let’s Plant Trees makes it possible for anyone, from backyard gardeners to large landowners, to be part of the reforestation solution.
The 2026 seedling lineup includes red pine, white pine, white cedar, tamarack, yellow birch, red oak, and bur oak—a mix of native hardwoods and evergreens chosen for long-term forest health. All seedlings offered in 2026 will be plugs, rather than bare root, which are easier to transport and plant. These seedlings are provided to the community at no cost thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and local partners.
Let’s Plant Trees is grateful for financial support this year from the Cook County Community Fund, the Two Harbors Area Community Fund, the Carolyn Foundation, and Arrowhead Electric. These grants are critical in helping expand the availability of free tree seedlings to even more Minnesota residents.
Pre-orders are open now at www.LetsPlantTrees.org. Quantities are limited, and high demand is expected based on past events.
