Lutsen, MN — Let’s Plant Trees, a Minnesota nonprofit, is giving away 15,000 free native tree seedlings for the Spring 2025 planting season — tripling last year’s total of 5,000. With distribution sites in Grand Marais, Lutsen, Two Harbors, and Virginia, Let’s Plant Trees empowers landowners to plant trees while promoting species diversity and climate resilience.
Most of the 15,000 seedlings have already been preordered, but a limited number of tree seedlings will be available for walk-ups. Those who didn’t preorder are welcome to stop by the following locations between 2–4 PM. Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis:
• Two Harbors — Sunday, May 25 | Burlington Station 2-4 PM
• Virginia — Saturday, May 31 | Natural Harvest Foods 2-4 PM
• Lutsen — Sunday, June 1 | North Shore Winery 2-4 PM
“We’re thrilled by how much Let’s Plant Trees has grown,” said co-founder Mike Nicklow. “Jumping from 5,000 seedlings last year to 15,000 this year is a huge milestone — and next year, we’re aiming for 30,000! We’re incredibly grateful for the community support that makes this possible.”
Special thanks go to the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation for helping fund a portion of the 2025 seedlings, and to the Rajala Woods Foundation and Minnesota Power for donating red and white pine seedlings. Let’s Plant Trees also extends special thanks to Minnesota Public Radio, for their partnership and promotion of these events.
Let’s Plant Trees promotes reforestation not just as a climate solution but also as a defense against rising threats like emerald ash borer (EAB) and spruce budworm (SBW), which together endanger millions of Minnesota’s trees. “Forest diversity builds resilience,” said Let’s Plant Trees co-founder Carrie Nicklow, environmental educator and master woodland steward. “With pests like EAB and SBW causing serious damage, planting a mix of tree species is key to helping Minnesota’s forests stay healthy.”
In addition to seedling distribution, Let’s Plant Trees offers free educational talks on how, when, and where to plant native trees, highlighting their vital role in building resilient, biodiverse forests. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and community groups, the organization helps Minnesotans understand how every planted tree contributes to a healthier landscape.
Let’s Plant Trees also collaborates with businesses and organizations on corporate planting projects, offering hands-on ways to advance sustainability and strengthen community engagement. Sponsorships and donations are key to expanding these efforts and ensuring a lasting, positive impact on Minnesota’s forests.
Learn more or get involved at www.LetsPlantTrees.org.
