Bemidji's 10,000 Free Trees Reserved in Days After Storm

When Bemidji, Minnesota lost countless trees to a fierce windstorm last June, residents didn't just mourn what was lost. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work replanting their community's green canopy.

The Reforest Bemidji initiative offered 10,000 free native tree seedlings to help restore what the storm took away. Within days of the announcement, every single seedling was reserved through pre-orders.

"This is all about Bemidji," said Mick Nicklow, co-founder of Let's Plant Trees, the nonprofit behind the effort. "We wanted to create something that makes it easy for residents to take action and be part of a larger effort to reforest Bemidji."

The overwhelming response caught organizers by surprise, but they're ready to meet the demand. Pickup begins May 16 at the Sanford Center, with leftover trees available first-come, first-served on May 17 starting at 10 a.m.

Mick and his wife Carrie started Let's Plant Trees in 2023 with just 500 seedlings and a simple mission: give people free native trees and show them how to plant them. This year, they're distributing 50,000 seedlings across northern Minnesota.

Local businesses stepped up to make the Bemidji giveaway possible. Otter Tail Power Company and First National Bank Bemidji provided crucial support to fund the initiative.

"The incredible response to Reforest Bemidji demonstrates the power of this community," said Stephanie Hoff, president of the Otter Tail Power Company Foundation. "Our Foundation is proud to support an effort that not only helps rebuild Bemidji's tree canopy, but also brings neighbors together and creates a visible, lasting impact for generations to come."

The Ripple Effect

What started as storm recovery has become something bigger. The initiative is bringing neighbors together around a shared goal, creating bonds while creating shade.

Each tree planted represents more than just replacing what was lost. It's a vote of confidence in the future, a gift to the next generation, and proof that communities can rebuild stronger together.

For residents who missed the Bemidji reservation window, additional pickup dates are scheduled across northern Minnesota through early June in towns including Two Harbors, Grand Marais, Grand Rapids, Virginia, Ely, and Lutsen.

Ten thousand trees will soon dot Bemidji's landscape, growing taller each year as living monuments to community resilience.