Climate-Ready Woodlands Rewilding Your Backyard Woods

As Minnesota’s climate changes, forests will face pressures from tree diseases and pests, heavier and more frequent rainfalls, warmer temperatures, and prolonged drought. Join Extension Educators to learn about how you can foster a healthy, resilient woodland by adding species that are predicted to adapt well to these changes. You'll also learn how to promote benefits for charismatic microfauna (pollinators, other insects, bats, etc.) in addition to climate resilience on woodlands of all sizes.

Resources:
* For trees that are sold in Soil & Water Cook County District tree sales or given out in the community- most of those trees come from the MN State Forest Nursery which grows seedlings to sell around the state. We can expect over time that the state forest nursery will likely shift the species they grow out and sell to reflect some of these future climate-resilient species but that shift will take time and won't happen immediately.

Questions asked during the event:
* What feedback is the forest product industry providing on this research project and its plans?
* How can I locate a qualified forester to assist with our property plan?
* Any recommendations for obtaining trees from this list, possibly at no cost?
* Are any of these trees available as seedlings for a more budget-friendly option?
* Which trees from the provided list thrive in red clay soil?
* Ponderosa Pine wasn't included in the list; any insights on its suitability?
* Any suggestions for cost-effective tree options?
* On smaller properties, which strategies are more manageable? On larger properties, is it more worthwhile to focus on invasive removal or extensive planting?
* Comparing the soil conditions for the growth of Black Ash—any insights?
* Considering Hazelnut, can we identify suitable overstory options from the provided sheet?
* How do hardwoods fare regarding deer consumption? Is a fence necessary?