Karen Downing
Detroit Lakes continues to grow its urban forest through a large-scale tree planting initiative supported by state funding.
The city was awarded a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve tree planting and expand canopy coverage throughout the community. Since 2024, trees have been planted in multiple locations, with 100 additional boulevard trees now set to be planted within city limits.
Residents had until April 1st to sign up for the program, which provides trees, stakes, soil, mulch, educational resources, and hole digging at no cost.
Volunteers will help place the trees during a community planting event on May 2nd, with May 9th set as a backup date.
The effort is part of Detroit Lakes’ long-standing commitment to forestry and environmental stewardship.
In 2025, Detroit Lakes was recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. community for the 37th consecutive year, highlighting decades of dedication to preserving and enhancing the city’s tree canopy.
Photo and Story By Karen Downing