BEMIDJI — After the
devastating June 21 storm
damaged and destroyed trees at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds last summer, local Master Gardeners made it their mission to replant trees for future generations to enjoy.
Realizing the storm drastically altered the area’s landscape, Beltrami County Master Gardener Dan Sherman proposed the replanting project to the local Master Gardener group and to the Beltrami County Agriculture Association, which owns the fairgrounds property.
His idea was to replant trees that may not be familiar to the public, as well as trees that are USDA zone 4 hardy. Although the fairgrounds are
located in zone 3B,
zone 4 has crept farther north through the decades, according to a Master Gardener release.
“We want to be proactive, introducing more trees to the area to create a more diverse environment,” the release said. “Also keeping in mind that emerald ash borer is also creeping north (EAB has been found as far north as Hackensack and Remer), we want to introduce other species of trees to plant now, so they can provide shade and habitat when the ash trees become decimated.”
Alyvia Arndt poses with a group of trees during a Beltrami County Master Gardeners tree replanting project on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds.
Contributed
The project recently got underway, with seven trees being planted. They include two coffee trees, three autumn blaze maples, one buckeye and a fast-growing oak. This work is ongoing by the Master Gardeners with staking, mulching, watering and animal protection still to be completed over the next few weeks.
“Next steps of our project include signage by each species of tree planted with information about the care and growth habits of the tree,” the release explained. “There will be a QR code on each sign so interested individuals can explore more information about the trees.”
This project is ongoing as the Master Gardeners raise funds for the project. To donate to the project through its crowdfunding campaign, visit the “Roots of Community: Beltrami County Fairgrounds Tree Project” page at
crowdfund.umn.edu/campaigns.
“In 2027, we plan to continue planting additional trees with signage to continue our educational project,” the release said. “Thank you to the BCAA for their continued support of the Extension Master Gardener program and to the public for your interest in learning more about our project and the trees that will continue to beautify the fairgrounds for future generations.”
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