To create a more resilient, adaptable forest, The Nature Conservancy, in collaboration with state and federal partners, planted 3.2 million trees in northern Minnesota this year. It was the organization’s biggest planting season in the state. By 2030, the conservancy plans to plant 17 million trees in total.
Biggest planting in northern Minnesota
The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Superior and Chippewa National Forests, and St. Louis, Lake, and Carlton counties, had its largest tree-planting effort in the nonprofit’s history. Throughout the spring, crews planted 3.2 million tree seedlings across northern Minnesota.
Four large crews planted 20 tree species, including white and red pine, white spruce, red oak, jack pine, white cedar, paper birch, and yellow birch. This diversity will help create a healthier, more adaptable, climate-resilient forest for the future.
Each tree was planted by hand in just under 50 days. According to a TNC release, all chosen species are native or adaptable to climate change. “Guided by science, foresters select species that are best suited to each site while also considering future climate conditions and threats. Some seedlings are grown from seed collected farther south, where the climate more closely resembles conditions projected for northern Minnesota in coming decades,” they stated.
Planting took place across nearly 5,600 acres of public land. TNC selected sites in areas affected by wildfire or invasive insects, as well as areas where habitat could benefit from improvement. Crews also planted plots along the North Shore and added seedlings along streams and other waterways to support fisheries.
As seedlings take root, crews will return to monitor the trees and give them the best chance to thrive. Temporary fencing and bud capping will protect trees from browsing wildlife. They will also use tools like saws to clear brush that could choke out new seedlings.
Nearly 16 million trees planted so far
Over the last two decades, The Nature Conservancy has planted about 16 million trees in northern Minnesota. Some of this work took place within the Superior National Forest, which spans 3.9 million acres. Many plantings also took place in the Chippewa National Forest, which covers 1.6 million acres.
The initiative is part of TNC’s forest resilience plan to restore the state’s forests. According to its website, roughly 31.5 million acres of forest originally covered the state. Since then, that number has dropped significantly, with about 18 million acres remaining. Early timber harvesting largely drove the decline. Now, climate change is also affecting the state’s forests.
Suppliers collect thousands of seeds and cones each fall. In turn, they are shipped to nurseries for propagation. Jim Manolis, director of forest strategy and stewardship for the conservancy, said that “Planting more than 3.2 million trees in a single season is only possible through strong partnerships and the dedication of skilled planting crews.” He went on to add, “But the real measure of success is whether those forests are thriving 20, 50 or 100 years from now. That’s why we’re focused not just on planting trees, but on growing forests that can withstand future challenges.”
This season’s planting is part of a broader effort. According to a KAXE article, a conservancy spokesperson said they aim to plant 17 million trees in northern Minnesota by 2030.
Established in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a worldwide nonprofit whose work includes protecting and preserving land and water from the effects of climate change.
A conservancy staff member plants a tree in an area impacted by wildfire. (Photo Derek Montgomery/TNC) A new pine seedling takes root. (Photo TNC) Caps and fences protect trees from browsing wildlife. (Photo Jim Manolis/TNC)