Photo: Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash.com

Let's Plant Trees, a Lutsen-based nonprofit, has opened pre-orders for its 2026 free native tree seedling distribution. Founded in 2023 by Mike and Carrie Nicklow, Let's Plant Trees focuses on educating and encouraging people to take part in reforestation. Co-founder Mike Nicklow shared that the organization's mission “Is simple but powerful: make it easy for people to plant a diverse mix of native trees,”  and adding, “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.”

The 2026 distribution is set to be the organization's largest, with a goal of giving away 50,000 native tree seedlings. For reference, when the organization was founded in 2023, it distributed 500 seedlings, and increased to over 20,000 earlier this year.

The 2026 seedling giveaway events will take place in seven Minnesota communities: Bemidji, Ely, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Lutsen, Two Harbors, and Virginia. Residents can pre-order seedlings online and pick them up at a chosen location. There is a limit of 70 trees per household, and there is no cost. "These seedlings are provided to the community at no cost thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and local partners," Nicklow said. Any remaining seedlings will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The organization aims to help address the environmental challenges facing Minnesota’s forests, including pests such as the emerald ash borer and spruce budworm, as well as an increase in extreme weather events. One way it does that is by offering (and recommending) a mix of species, which helps to build forest resilience. According to Let’s Plant Trees, "Planting a mix of species helps forests better withstand climate stress, wildfires, and invasive pests."

The 2026 distribution will offer a variety of native hardwoods and evergreens chosen for their ability to thrive in the region's changing climate, including red pine, white pine, white cedar, tamarack, yellow birch, red oak, and bur oak. According to a release, all seedlings will be plug seedlings, which are easier to transport and plant compared to bare-root varieties.

Partnering with organizations that support local farmers is important to the Nicklows. Around 30% of the seedlings are sourced from Farm and Forest Growers Cooperative, a partnership Nicklow described as 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,” he said.

According to Nicklow, anything not sourced from the cooperative comes from other nurseries that specialize in growing climate-adapted seedlings. For example, the organization’s white and red pines are sourced directly from the Minnesota Power Rajala Woods Initiative. Let's Plant Trees also works with experts from organizations such as the University of Minnesota and The Nature Conservancy to determine which species are best suited for distribution. “We are strong believers in listening to the experts and making sure the right trees get planted in the right places,” Nicklow said.

Looking beyond 2026, Nicklow announced plans to distribute 100,000 trees in the spring of 2027, an increase requiring significant funding. He noted that corporate planting events, where companies can sponsor and volunteer for reforestation projects, help cover some of the costs for the free seedling program. The Nicklows also utilize local grant opportunities. This year, Let's Plant Trees received grants from the Cook County Community Fund, the Two Harbors Area Community Fund, the Carolyn Foundation, and Arrowhead Electric.

Let’s Plant Trees also supports larger reforestation efforts. In 2025, the organization donated remaining seedlings to aid in forest recovery efforts in the Brimson area following wildfires. 

Pre-orders for the 2026 seedlings are currently open on the Let's Plant Trees website. Quantities are limited, and the organization expects high demand based on past events.