The Red River Prairie and Aspen Parklands subsections cover all or parts of Becker, Beltrami, Big Stone, Clay, Clearwater, Grant, Kittson, Mahnomen, Marshall, Norman, Otter Tail, Pennington, Polk, Red Lake, Roseau, Stevens, Traverse and Wilkin counties.
Bounded to the west by the Red River and extending eastward to the limits of continuous tall grass prairie presettlement vegetation, much of the Red River Prairie is a large lake plain formed by the Glacial Lake Agassiz. Soils range from clays to sandy/gravelly beach ridges, may be poorly to moderately well-drained, and are often very alkaline. Originally, the area was vegetated by bluestems, Indian grass, and other grasses. Narrow, forested floodplains were common along larger streams and rivers. Broader zones of woodland were common along the fire shadows of streams.
The Aspen Parklands is a low, level plain that is a transition zone between conifer peat bogs to the east and tallgrass prairie to the west. Soils range from loamy to gravelly, poorly-drained to well-drained, and acidic to very alkaline. Originally, the area was vegetated by various types of prairies, aspen, silver maple, elm, cottonwood and ash.
This prairie-rich region has a much lengthier list of understory plants and includes many commonly sold shrubs such as Juneberries, gray and red-osier dogwood, highbush cranberry and beaked hazelnut, plus several goldenrods, grasses and sedges.
Recommended trees and plants
*This species of red oak is most susceptible to oak wilt. Check your area’s current oak wilt risk.
**Due to Dutch elm disease, only plant disease-resistant varieties of American elm.
The following plants native to this region are also found further south. They should be well-equipped to adjust to our climate as it becomes warmer and wetter. These native plants also provide diverse benefits to microfauna, such as pollinators, other insects, birds and bats.
Creating climate refugia
Models of the state’s future climate may not favor the survival of some species you currently see in your woods. However, that doesn’t mean these species don’t hold intrinsic ecological, cultural or economic value. You can work to retain these species in your landscape and protect them from the impacts of climate change by creating forest refugia.
Species in this region that may be most vulnerable to climate change, pests and diseases:
- Tamarack (Larix laricina), black spruce (Picea mariana), white spruce (Picea glauca) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) are common conifer species often found in wet areas such as bogs, as well as in drier sites. These species are projected to be vulnerable to climate change in this region. Consider planting these species with a mix of climate-capable species (listed below) on cool, moist sites to promote diversity and improve resilience.
- Black ash (Fraxinus nigra) and green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) are projected to do well in warmer and wetter climates but are extremely vulnerable to emerald ash borer. Black ash is a cultural and ecological keystone species in northern Minnesota and is an essential part of Minnesota’s forests. If ash is present in your woodland, learn more about managing ash woodlands in response to emerald ash borer.
- Paper birch (Betula papyrifera) is projected to be vulnerable to climate change in this region. Retain existing paper birch in diverse stands with a mix of species, age classes, and structures. Paper birch is shade intolerant and therefore prefers full sun. Consider thinning, single tree, or group selection harvests to improve the resilience of birch forests. Learn more about managing birch forests.
- Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) are both projected to be vulnerable to a changing climate in this ecoregion. Both species regenerate by root suckering (sprouting), and these aspen stands provide many benefits to wildlife throughout their life cycle. Harvesting in gaps can also promote a diversity of species, age classes, and structures that will improve the resilience of the stand. Learn more about managing aspen forests.
- Red pine (Pinus resinosa), jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) are iconic Northwoods species that are projected to be vulnerable to climate change in this region. Consider thinning existing pine stands to promote sufficient growing space. Harvesting in gaps can also promote a diversity of species, age classes, and structures that will improve the resilience of the stand. Eastern white pine is preferred by deer, so bud capping or tree tubes can help increase seedling survival. Preventative pruning can also help to protect young white pine trees from white pine blister rust. Learn more about managing red pine, jack pine and white pine forests.
Potential future tree species
As our climate changes, some tree species might be able to move into new areas as habitat becomes more suitable. Climate scientists with the USDA Forest Service have identified tree species with migration potential in the Red River Prairie and Aspen Parklands.
Planting species not historically found in the region does carry some risk. Before you plant, learn more about assisted migration strategies, and work with a forester or another natural resource professional to determine the best options for your land and goals.
Woodlands of Minnesota Handbook
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has created a series of woodland handbooks that provide landowners with information on their region’s conditions, frequent challenges, and advice on setting and reaching management goals. The Red River Prairie and Aspen Parklands handbook includes information on wildlife, plants, invasive species, geology, landscape and watershed management for this special region of northwestern Minnesota.
Reviewed in 2024