Break A Bat, Plant A Tree

Graphic showing how many bats have been broken so far this season, and how many trees planted that corresponds to

Now in its second year, 'Break a Bat, Plant a Tree' is an innovative partnership between Minnesota State Parks and Trails and the Minnesota Twins that has given both sports fans and outdoors enthusiasts good reasons to cheer.

Every time a Twins pitcher breaks the bat of an opposing player during the 2011 season, we'll plant 100 trees in a Minnesota state park or recreation area, or along a Minnesota state trail.

Map of tree planting locations around the stateThis is a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download it..

What's behind this partnership?

We have a lot in common! Minnesota State Parks and Trails and the Minnesota Twins both want to...

  • see people get outdoors, and to promote outdoor recreation and environmental responsibility;
  • raise awareness about forest restoration projects underway at Minnesota state parks and trails;
  • and affirm their commitment to environmental stewardship.

Break a Bat Related Videos

planting trees for Break a Bat, Plant a Tree campaign DNR Commissioner throwing first pitch at Twins game 2 DNR employees singing National Anthem at Twins game. Trees from Target Field get replanted at St. Croix State Park.

Former Twins pitcher Jack Morris pitches in with tree planting at Afton State Park.

Commissioner Tom Landwehr throws first pitch at Twins game.

Minnesota DNR duo sings National Anthem at Twins game.

Trees from Target Field get replanted at St. Croix State Park.

2010 results

August 13, 2010: Former Twins pitcher Bert Blyleven and Forrest Boe, deputy director of the DNR's Parks and Trails division, planted the first ceremonial tree on the Luce Line State Trail.Minnesota pitchers broke a total of 180 bats during their 2010 season, which equals the planting of 18,000 trees. That's a whole lot of reforestation happening as a direct result of this partnership!

The first ceremonial tree was planted in August 2010 on the Luce Line State Trail. The rest of the trees are being planted throughout spring 2011.

In the news...

Tree planting at Afton State Park

Seeing The Forest For The Trees This link leads to an external site. (Brainerd Dispatch)

Twins Break a Baseball Bat, Plant a Tree This link leads to an external site. (KSTP)

Minnesota Twins Announce Tree Planting Ceremony with Bert Blyleven This link leads to an external site. (MLB)