Let’s Plant Trees distributed 4,300 free native tree seedlings in Grand Marais on Sunday, May 24, continuing its effort to help residents across northern Minnesota plant trees, restore forests, and be part of local reforestation in a hands-on way.

The Grand Marais event was made possible with support from North Shore Federal Credit Union, whose partnership helped provide free trees not only to residents in Grand Marais, but also to residents up the Gunflint Trail.

“We are incredibly grateful to North Shore Federal Credit Union for helping make this event possible,” said Mike Nicklow, co-founder of Let’s Plant Trees. “Their support allowed us to get 4,300 trees into the hands of people who are excited to plant them right here in Cook County. That is exactly what this work is all about.”

After the Grand Marais free tree event wrapped up, Let’s Plant Trees continued up the Gunflint Trail to Loon Lake Lodge, where Andrea and Derek are busy opening the lodge for the season and also organizing the Gunflint Trail cleanup event, which is happening Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Let’s Plant Trees was proud to be part of that effort by providing free native tree seedlings for residents in the area. More information about the cleanup event is available at www.GunflintCleanup.wordpress.com.

“We love being part of events like this,” Nicklow said. “The Gunflint Trail is such a special place, and when people are already coming together to clean up and care for the area, giving them trees to plant just makes sense. It is another way for people to make a positive impact right where they live.”

The need for reforestation is visible 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 more spruce and balsam die and remain standing in the forest, the risk of wildfire also becomes a growing concern. For Let’s Plant Trees, helping residents plant a 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. It is not just about what the forest looks like today. It is also about what happens next, including the increased wildfire risk from so many standing dead trees. 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 Grand Marais event was part of Let’s Plant Trees’ 2026 spring distribution program, which is bringing 50,000 free native tree seedlings to communities across northern Minnesota.

“This was a really fun one for us,” Nicklow said. “The Grand Marais community showed up, we brought trees up the Gunflint Trail, and 4,300 more trees are now heading into the ground. That is pretty awesome.”

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.