Additional Resources
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Many woodland owners are monitoring the effects of climate change on their property. There's a lot you can do to keep your woods healthy and resilient. Along with climate changes comes the concerns for localized disease and impacts from insect pests. Keeping your woods diverse and healthy can fortify them against a changing climate.
Planting climate-ready trees
Supported by research from across the upper Midwest, UMN Extension has new lists of climate-ready trees for each of Minnesota’s major forest communities. Find the list for your area and consider new tree plantings to help your woods adapt to a changing climate.
​​Learn what’s killing your trees and take action
If trees are dying on your land, find out what’s causing it. Insects like spruce budworm have killed a lot of balsam fir and spruce in northern Minnesota in recent years. Some tree loss is normal, but it’s a good idea to learn about common Minnesota forest pests and diseases and to take action to avoid more widespread losses. A forester or the U’s Plant Disease Clinic can help you identify the problem.
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Woodland Resilience and Biodiversity
Prepare for the emerald ash borer
Emerald ash borer, or “EAB” is a little green insect that has a devastating effect on our native ash trees. Introduced from another continent years ago, EAB has recently arrived in Minnesota. If your woods contain a lot of ash trees, learn about your treatment options. You may decide to focus your firewood cutting on ash, or to pay to treat a few trees near the house to protect them from EAB, or to sell timber before EAB arrives. A forester can help you understand your options.
Wildlife and Hunting
Seeing deer, grouse, songbirds, and other wildlife in our woods can connect us to nature. Your woods can provide habitat for a wide variety of Minnesota wildlife. If there are certain species you want to attract to your land, here are a few ideas from UMN Extension’s Managing Woodlands for Wildlife page.
Plant (or retain) patches of dense conifers
Pockets of balsam fir, spruce or other shade-tolerant conifers provide much-needed cover for deer and other species, helping them stay warm in cold weather.
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Create and maintain openings in dense forest stands
Openings often include different species than the surrounding forest, including important food species. But openings also increase edge habitat. This may or may not be desirable, depending on your target species.​
Mix aspen of different ages
Maintaining aspen of various ages in close proximity is particularly effective for ruffed grouse and white-tailed deer. Young, dense aspen stands provide cover from predators as well as nutritious food (buds) within reach of deer. Older aspen is an excellent food source for grouse.
Plant trees in open areas
If you live in an area with more open field than forest, consider establishing trees on the landscape. Trees provide mast (food) as well as cover and shade for wildlife.
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Protect riparian corridors
Forested areas along waterways provide unique habitat for wildlife. Trees along the water provide shade, cover and (in some cases) unique food sources for wildlife.
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Feeding stations and food plots
In some cases, feeding stations and planted food plots can be a good idea. But they can also be problematic. There’s evidence that feeding stations can concentrate wildlife and spread disease.
Enjoying Woodland Abundance
Natural resources such as maple syrup, fiddlehead ferns and morel mushrooms contribute to Minnesota's social fabric and well-being by supporting our livelihoods and shared identities. Also known as non–timber forest products (NTFPs), wild-growing products can be harvested for food, medicine, crafts and decorative items. These products can be used personally or to generate income.​​
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Gathering wild-grown plants
UMN Extension’s Minnesota Harvester Handbook has detailed information about finding, identifying, sustainably harvesting, and processing more than 20 foods, medicines, crafts and other items.
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Gathering morel and other mushrooms
The morel mushroom (also called yellow morels or sponge mushrooms) is known around the world but is most prevalent in the northern hemisphere. Morel mushrooms are probably the most recognizable and sought-after edible mushroom in Minnesota. Learn about morel identification and harvesting in Minnesota here. Warning: Many wild mushrooms are poisonous and can be fatal. Correctly identify the mushroom you pick and plan to eat. An old mushroom hunters’ axiom states “When in doubt, throw it out.” This is a good rule to follow.
Attracting and watching birds or other wildlife
Minnesota is home to a tremendous variety of native songbirds and other wildlife. The more you learn to identify and appreciate these species, the more wonder you’ll feel for the nature in your backyard. While many species travel far and wide, you can help them make a home in your woods.
Harvesting maple sap to make syrup
From time immemorial, the people living in what is now the northeastern US and adjacent parts of Canada have been harvesting maple sap to make syrup and other products. Although making small quantities is simple and doesn’t require a lot of equipment, it’s important to know your trees and the basics.
