South St. Paul is regrowing its tree canopy—and Tree Trust is excited to help lead the way. The invasive pest emerald ash borer (EAB) wiped out nearly one-third of all the city’s boulevard trees and trees in public parks. Together, we are working to grow a more resilient urban tree canopy. We’re planting trees in parks, along boulevards, and even in a local schoolyard. Residents are joining in by adding trees to their own yards through our discounted tree sale, while volunteers are making a difference at public planting events. We’re also working alongside community groups to host private plantings and inspiring young learners through our Learning with Trees™ program. Together, these efforts are revitalizing the community’s treescape.

Over the past several decades, EAB has wiped out millions of ash trees in the United States, including hundreds of thousands in Minnesota. Urban forestry research finds that tree diversity provides a key to a resilient city canopy. In 2023, South St. Paul updated its tree ordinance, which limited the variety of trees allowed on public land. The new ordinance incorporated modern urban forestry research and practices, allowing for the planting of a diverse mix of hardy species.

This work is right in line with Tree Trust’s mission. With funding from foundation grants, bonding, and corporate sponsors, we’re partnering with South St. Paul to grow a greener, healthier, and more resilient community.

Since 1992, Tree Trust has been growing the next generation of environmental stewards—and transforming school grounds along the way—through Learning with Trees, one of our longest-running programs. This fall, thanks to the support of the Beim Foundation, students at Kaposia Education Center got to experience the program firsthand. They explored the importance of trees and each classroom rolled up their sleeves to plant their very own classroom tree to care for on school grounds.

At a school board meeting following the planting, Principal Terry Bretoi shared: “Our mission is to engage, educate and empower, and the Learning with Trees program is a wonderful example of how we’ve engaged our entire community. There was education on planting day from every aspect, empowering and inspiring our kids to build a better community when they are older.”

Student Austin captured the spirit of the day perfectly: “It was fun to learn all the steps for planting a tree. While we were helping our community, we also learned what trees need to grow, like water, roots, and soil. It was very cool!” With the curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm of students like those at Kaposia, the future of South St. Paul is looking greener already.

When Walser Subaru St. Paul says they “love the earth,” they mean it! Their team sponsored a tree planting event at Spruce Park and turned out in full force to help grow the city’s urban canopy. South St. Paul State Representative Rick Hansen joined in, noting, “Investments in tree planting programs help address emerald ash borer and restore our urban canopy.” Tree Trust volunteers also planted trees along the city streets, including a new ginkgo that has one local family especially excited. They can’t wait to watch their trees grow alongside their family. Two young residents even dressed up as superheroes to help plant trees in their community. And the greening doesn’t stop there: today, thanks to Delta Air Lines, we’re back in South St. Paul to bring more life to Kaposia Park.

Make an impact today; your journey starts now!

Rebuilding South St. Paul’s urban canopy is a long-term project, combining thoughtful policy, strategic plantings, and community action. By prioritizing species diversity, matching trees to the space available, and engaging residents and youth, we’re not just replacing what was lost—we’re planting a legacy of green infrastructure, shade, and beauty for generations to come.