Let’s Plant Trees sets big growth goals for 2026

Just a few years after establishing their non-profit, Let’s Plant Trees, North Shore residents Mike Nicklow and his wife, Carrie, are planning for growth.

Mike Nicklow told WTIP that what began as the couple distributing 500 trees in 2023 has expanded to 20,000 trees during this past year. He said that next year they plan to distribute 50,000 trees, and to reach 100,000 trees by 2027.

Giving away these trees, along with educational efforts, is part of the non-profit’s goal of combating deforestation and climate change. Nicklow said, “We promote reforestation by giving away free native tree seedlings to property owners, along with the guidance of how, when and where to plant those.”

Property owners who order plants through Let’s Plant Trees can access up to 70 trees, and will have their choice of seven different varieties – white pine, red pine, white cedar, tamarack, burr oak, red oak, and yellow birch.

Nicklow said the spring 2026 events will take place at seven locations. Events will be held in Grand Marais, Lutsen, Two Harbors, Virginia, Ely, Grand Rapids, and Bemidji.

Let’s Plant Trees is not totally alone in their mission. Nicklow said, “We work with organizations like the Nature Conservancy and University of Minnesota to determine what species are best for the area, and then we like to basically get all that information together, determine those species and provide those for the landowners free of cost.”

Property owners looking for trees can order for the spring now through the group’s website.

Mike Nicklow spoke with Steph Vos on North Shore Morning. Audio of that interview is below.

Kirsten Wisniewski October 5, 2025