Reforest Bemidji to bring 10,000 free trees to Bemidji residents

BEMIDJI — Reforest Bemidji is bringing 10,000 free native tree seedlings to Bemidji in May.

The organization was created to support local reforestation following the severe windstorm that swept through the area on June 21, 2025. The storm knocked out power to thousands for days and downed an estimated 9 million trees.

Each household can pre-order up to 70 tree seedlings of seven native species. Distribution day for pre-orders is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Sanford Event Center, 1111 Event Center Dr. NE.

Trees will also be distributed beginning at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 17, while supplies last.

Reforest Bemidji was created to restore the canopy Bemidji lost in the major windstorm and received support from local partnerships, such as Otter Tail Power Co. and First National Bank Bemidji.

“We believe in investing in things that grow, like families, futures and the soul of our town," stated Ryan Welle, president of First National Bank Bemidji.

"This effort is about more than planting trees. It is about planting resilience and rebuilding the legacy of our
community."

The nonprofit Let's Plant Trees will distribute more than 50,000 tree seedlings across seven Northern Minnesota communities this spring, with 10,000 dedicated to Bemidji.