Minnesota Forestry Association

08/29/2026

Tree seed collection workshops are a great way to gain valuable skills in collecting high quality seed. Here are some great chances to join University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in their free workshops! They will teach you to indentify multiple species of tree and their ripe seeds, and how to collect and process them!
Registration details are in the flyer below.

08/26/2026

While the drought of this summer continues on, it is important to keep an eye out for drought stress in your trees. While large swaths of trees struggle during prolonged periods of drought, urban trees tend to have a more difficult time. With lack of shade, urban heat island effect, and poor compacted soils, it is important to keep an eye on your urban trees and if able, give them a deep watering every 7-10 days.
Check out this PhysOrg article for more details:

Recurring and prolonged periods of drought are worsening worldwide, triggering a dangerous chain reaction for trees, according to a forest health expert at North Carolina State University.

08/22/2026

This article from the Grand Rapids HeraldReview highlights the potential market for low-value wood in the aftermath of northern Minnesotas wildfires. This Bi-partisan bill may be a boon for the timber industry

As wildfires burn in northern Minnesota, a federal bill has been introduced targeted to help improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk and create a larger market for loggers.

08/21/2026

08/19/2026

Forest tent caterpillars or Armyworms, are within the range of a possible outbreak in the coming years. While typically not fatal to trees, forest tent caterpillars can defoliate entire branches, and can cause some branch die back if their numbers are large enough. Be on the lookout for large numbers of these caterpillars!

https://www.kaxe.org/local-news/2026-08-10/forest-tent-caterpillar-damage-rising-as-dnr-eyes-potential-2027-outbreak

08/14/2026

Besides the heat of the summer, invasive species and diseases are also a major stressor within north-central Minnesota forests. Despite that, there are things that we can do to strategically manage our forests to limit the impacts, and make a healthier and more resilient forest 🌳.

To learn more, MyMinnesotaWoods has a Forest health and resilience Workshop on October 17th in Grand Rapids. Register here:

Forests can face multiple stressors that impact their health and resilience, such as native and non-native insects and diseases, over-competition, deer browse, and climate change. Woodland stewards can implement management strategies to promote the long-term health and resilience of their woods whil...

08/08/2026

In July of 2026, the Society of American Foresters (SAF) and various other organizations gave their support for the Wildfire Emission Prevention Act (WEPA). This legislation will simplify the process for states to utilize prescribed fires to lessen the impact of emissions from wildfires, and to further protect and strengthen forests against wildfire impacts.
Read the whole article here:

08/04/2026

Interested in tree seed collection? Both UW-Madison Extension Forestry and University of Minnesota Extension are hosting webinars describing the process of collecting, processing and storing tree seeds! These webinars are good for landowners who are interested in tree seed collection to assist with reforestation, a way to make some extra cash, or even just to gather them for your own property.
Links for the webinars registration will be linked in the comments.

Send a message to learn more

07/30/2026

The spread of Oak Wilt is highest during April through July. If you have Oak trees on your property, it is important to stop any pruning and watch your trees for signs of Oak Wilt damage.
Watch out for:
Flagging branches (portions of the tree turning brown all at once).
Leaves with brown edges and green centers.
Bluish staining underneath the bark layer.

If you are in or close to Little Falls, MN, MyMinnesotaWoods Has an upcoming class on August 5th for Recognizing & Managing Oak Wilt. Link in the comments.

A great resource for Oak Wilt Identification and management:

Proper diagnosis of oak wilt is the first step in controlling the disease that affects all Minnesota oaks.

07/29/2026

Join us tonight for an evening tour that highlights land stewardship, habitat restoration and wildlife management. Event starts at 5:00 PM!
Address and additional details in the picture.