April is Native Plant Month, but climate change may be reshaping what “native” means.
April is Native Plant Month, but climate change may be reshaping what “native” means.
Minnesota’s natural landscapes face growing pressure, but the good news is that everyone can play a role in caretaking.
Knowing your native plant community helps you understand how your woodland functions and what management approaches are most likely to succeed.
As you are selecting trees to plant next spring, diversify your landscape or woodland by planting multiple species of trees and shrubs.
As an indicator of overall ecosystem health, declining bird populations almost certainly point to similar losses of biodiversity across our native ecosystems. A new resource provides conservation strategies to restore and enhance habitats for forest birds and other forest-dependent wildlife.
"Fall is a great time to scout for invasive plants because they stay green longer than native species," says Hana Kim, Extension educator.
Learn how to collect seeds from six species: yellow birch, black walnut, silver maple, bur oak, swamp white oak, and northern red oak.
Biodiversity isn’t just about what’s growing in the forest, but also how it’s growing. Forests with a wide range of tree sizes, ages, and canopy openings provide structural diversity.
The recent storm that tore through Bemidji and surrounding areas left behind a trail of destruction. This guide provides practical steps for assessing and managing storm-damaged woodlands, helping landowners make informed decisions during recovery.
A healthy mix of species helps forests resist pests, withstand stress, and adapt to changing conditions. Native tree and plant species are the best at supporting ecosystem-wide biodiversity.
© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.