Diverse plantings today mean colorful future autumns
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has awarded $7 million in ReLeaf Grants to 50 communities to help manage for a healthy, resilient canopy in the face of emerald ash borer and other forest health concerns. Recipients include 34 cities, five county organizations, four schools, six nonprofits, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.
Funded by the Minnesota State Legislature, the ReLeaf program will support tree inventories, plantings, maintenance, pruning, management plans, outreach and wood utilization projects. Projects can occur on public land or low-income residential properties. Many of the projects funded will focus on replacing lost ash trees with a variety of species to help protect against pests and diseases. Other projects include removing hazard trees and using that wood for outdoor learning and play spaces. Another project provides scholarships for those pursuing the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist exam.
“You don’t have to travel several hours north to enjoy fall colors. Some of the most beautiful views are right on our own streets and in neighborhood parks,” said Madisson Masucci, DNR urban and community forestry coordinator. “These ReLeaf grants help communities manage and plant a variety of trees so their canopies are resilient and healthy for future generations to enjoy.”
In St. Louis Park, a past ReLeaf recipient, city officials and residents shared in a video how ReLeaf funding is helping them respond to the loss of trees to emerald ash borer and what it means for the future of their community's green spaces.
2026 ReLeaf grantees:
- City of Aitkin: $314,000
- Anoka Conservation District: $19,050
- City of Anoka: $114,057
- City of Apple Valley: $90,000
- City of Bemidji: $308,070
- City of Blaine: $160,935
- City of Brooklyn Park: $381,875
- Cedar Park Elementary: $47,895
- City of Chisago City: $84,100
- Cottonwood Soil and Water Conservation District: $65,673
- City of Falcon Heights: $24,864
- City of Faribault: $389,000
- City of Farmington: $204,000
- City of Fridley: $247,869
- Garlough Environmental Magnet School: $39,720
- City of Gibbon: $36,416
- Hackensack Game Changers: $8,974
- City of Hibbing: $188,135
- City of Hill City: $137,138
- City of Hopkins: $144,000
- La Academia School Forest: $46,525
- Lake County SWCD: $123,843
- City of Le Center: $125,000
- Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe: $250,000
- City of Marshall: $92,860
- Minnesota Society of Arboriculture: $3,500
- City of Monticello: $372,600
- City of Moorhead: $74,622
- City of Morris: $88,498
- City of Mounds View: $149,624
- City of New Brighton: $110,000
- City of Newport: $132,580
- City of Owatonna: $121,561
- City of Pipestone: $38,500
- Ramsey County: $320,731
- Resilient Cities & Communities: $164,000
- City of Robbinsdale: $124,803
- City of Rochester: $105,795
- Roseville Area School District: $70,310
- City of Sartell: $20,000
- City of South St. Paul: $65,400
- City of St. Cloud: $178,690
- City of St. Louis Park: $96,484
- City of St. Paul: $275,000
- City of Tracy: $25,000
- Tree Trust: $239,642
- Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Inc.: $115,000
- Watonwan SWCD: $56,520
- City of West St. Paul: $103,700
- Zumbro Ridge Estates: $386,660
Information about this and past grant recipients can be found on the DNR website.