Let’s Plant Trees distributed Movies! 10,000 free native tree seedlings in Two Harbors on Saturday, May 23, as part of its ongoing effort to help residents across northern Minnesota plant trees, restore forests, and be part of local reforestation in a hands-on way.
The Lake County event was held at Burlington Station in Two Harbors and was made possible with support from North Shore Federal Credit Union, Grandma’s Marathon, the Two Harbors Area Community Fund, and The Carolyn Foundation. North Shore Federal Credit Union has been a strong community partner in helping bring free trees to both Lake County and Cook County communities this spring, including the Two Harbors and Grand Marais events. Together, these partners helped bring more than 14,000 free native tree seedlings to community members.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support from our partners in helping make these events possible,” said Mike Nicklow, Executive Director of Let’s Plant Trees. “Getting free trees into the hands of people who are excited to plant them right here in our communities is exactly what this work is all about.”
Grandma’s Marathon is also partnering with Let’s Plant Trees in a unique way that connects running, sustainability, and reforestation. Through the partnership, participants in two Grandma’s Marathon race events were given the option to receive a race shirt or have a tree planted instead, giving runners a simple way to make a positive environmental impact through their race experience.
“We are really excited about the partnership with Grandma’s Marathon,” Nicklow said. “Grandma’s Marathon is such an iconic northern Minnesota organization, and the idea that runners can choose to have a tree planted instead of receiving a shirt is incredible. It is simple, it makes sense, and it connects people to reforestation in a tangible way.”
The Two Harbors event also came shortly after the Stewart Trail Fire, a reminder of how important forest health is across the region. Many residents have seen the damage caused by spruce budworm, which has heavily impacted spruce and balsam forests throughout northeastern Minnesota. As those trees die and remain standing, wildfire risk becomes an even greater concern. For Let’s Plant Trees, helping residents plant a diverse mix of native tree species is one important step in supporting healthier, more resilient forests for the future.
“We are all watching the forest change around us,” Nicklow said. “When you see spruce and balsam dying in large numbers, it really hits home. Planting trees is not the only answer, but it is a very real thing people can do. Every tree planted is part of the bigger picture.”
The event also had a meaningful connection to Brimson. Last year, after fires impacted the area, Let’s Plant Trees delivered free native tree seedlings to Brimson for local distribution. At this year’s Two Harbors event, several Brimson area residents came through the line, picked up more trees, and thanked the organization for bringing trees to their community last year. “That was really special for us,” Nicklow said. “It is a good reminder that these tree giveaways are not just one day events. They are part of something bigger, and the impact carries forward.”
The Lake County event was part of Let’s Plant Trees’ 2026 spring distribution program, which is bringing over 50,000 free native tree seedlings to communities across northern Minnesota.
About Let’s Plant Trees
Let’s Plant Trees is a Minnesota nonprofit focused on reforestation, education, and expanding access to free native trees through community tree distribution and planting efforts across the state. The organization works with communities, schools, companies, and local partners to make tree planting simple, visible, and impactful.
More information is available at www.LetsPlantTrees.org.
