Trees

After 10,000 tree seedlings were claimed within 48 hours, the ReForest Bemidji program secured an additional 5,000 trees for its distribution May 17, 2026.

Residents may notice increased tree removals in city boulevards, parks and public spaces because of the emerald ash borer, but new trees will also be planted in priority areas.

While all 10,000 seedlings have been reserved, organizers expect some to still be available for first-come, first-served pickup May 17, 2026.

Residents can receive up to 70 free tree seedlings to reforest their properties starting May 2026, following a windstorm in June 2025 that felled an estimated 9 million trees in the area.

They are also the only native Minnesota birds in the "perching duck" tribe, which is distinguished by their long, clawed toes — perfect for perching in trees.

Fresh wounds on Minnesota's oak trees in warmer seasons increase the risk of spreading oak wilt, an invasive fungal disease deadly to all the state's oak species.

The nursery has a strong supply of oak seedlings this year, offering landowners a chance to grow one of Minnesota’s majestic trees, and more than 20 other native coniferous and deciduous tree species.

Aitkin author Stephanie Mirocha has written a memoir about navigating the loss of her father while exploring one of his favorite things: trees.

Applications for this year are open through May 30 to get financial help from the Bemidji nonprofit organization, which is also hosting a May 8 breakfast and auctioning off a 'She-Shed.'

Emerald ash borer is now confirmed in Jackson County and a new portion of Lake County, with 53 of Minnesota's 87 counties having known infestations.