Trees

Christopher Smith, conservation committee chair for the Minnesota Herpetological Society, discusses how salamanders use dead and dying trees. The series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

The organization aims to help Minnesota forests regenerate after fire and disease and protect them in the future.

Drought, temperature and September weather conditions can have an impact on how vibrant the changing season will be.

Cones from the state tree are expected to be particularly prolific this year.

Thirty-three communities received nearly $5 million in funding, including Virginia, Hill City and other Northern Minnesota cities. A new DNR grant closes Sept. 14, 2026.

Private woodland owners impacted by the June 2025 windstorm can apply for the Emergency Forest Restoration Program for up to 75% reimbursement through June 5, 2026.

Thousands of free trees have been distributed in the Bemidji area as the community aims to restore the storm-damaged canopy.

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.