By Scout Nelson
The University of Minnesota is advancing climate resilience through a large-scale tree and shrub planting project at its Crookston campus and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center. This spring, more than 1,200 trees and shrubs were planted to improve biodiversity, restore windbreaks, and support educational opportunities for students.
The project is part of the University’s “Restoring Our Roots” initiative and supports priorities identified in its Campus and Climate Action Plans. Funding is provided in part through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s Local Climate Action Grant program. Several organizations are working together on the effort, including the City of Crookston, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, West Polk Soil and Water Conservation District, University departments, and the Northwest Research and Outreach Center.
The project will restore and expand more than one and a half miles of windbreaks while increasing shade, improving wildlife habitat, and creating stronger connections between people and the landscape. Over the next 40 years, the new plantings are expected to capture and store more than one million pounds of carbon dioxide, helping support long-term climate goals.
“This project puts the Crookston Climate Action Plan into action in a visible and tangible way,” said Shane Stennes, chief sustainability officer at the University of Minnesota. “It supports campus goals for climate adaptation and resilience while also contributing to carbon sequestration through large-scale plantings. Additionally, it reflects the University’s commitment to a campus design that prioritizes long-term sustainability and the ability for our landscapes to respond to the changing climate conditions.”
Approximately 90% of the selected species are native or climate-resilient varieties. Faculty members and local conservation experts helped choose species that can adapt to future environmental conditions while supporting ecosystem health.
Students actively participate in the project by updating tree inventories, collecting plant materials, assisting with planting activities, and helping develop management plans. The campus serves as a living-learning laboratory where students gain practical experience.
Photo Credit: istock-pyzata
Categories: Minnesota, General