The trees that line Redwood Falls' parks do more than provide shade. They create gathering places for families, frame walking trails, improve air quality, support local wildlife, and contribute to the character that makes Redwood Falls feel like home.
Earlier this year, the City shared why nearly 100 ash trees needed to be removed throughout Redwood Falls to protect public safety and prepare for a healthier, more resilient urban forest. We also highlighted the community-led efforts of Reforest Redwood Falls and the tree planting project completed at Legion Park. If you missed those stories, we encourage you to read Reforest Redwood: Restoring the City's Urban Forest One Tree at a Time and Tree Planting in Legion Park Brings New Life to Redwood Falls to learn more about the work that laid the foundation for the projects happening today.
This year's planting projects build on that momentum.
Today, tree planting in Redwood Falls continues through new projects completed at Perk's Park, Memorial Park, and Johnson Park. Together, local organizations, families, foundations, volunteers, and Reforest Redwood Falls are helping restore the City's tree canopy while investing in parks and public spaces that will benefit residents for decades to come.
Tree Planting in Redwood Falls Is an Investment in the Future
Communities across Minnesota continue to respond to the effects of Emerald Ash Borer, an invasive insect that has impacted millions of ash trees throughout the state. While removing mature trees is never easy, it also creates an opportunity to think beyond replacement and focus on long-term sustainability.
Rather than planting a single tree species, today's projects emphasize diversity. A healthy urban forest includes a variety of trees that are better equipped to withstand future pests, diseases, and environmental challenges. This approach not only protects the City's investment but also helps ensure future generations can continue enjoying the beauty and benefits of Redwood Falls' parks.
Every tree planted today is part of a vision that extends far beyond the current season. These young trees will one day provide shade along walking paths, create more comfortable gathering spaces, improve environmental health, and contribute to the natural beauty that residents and visitors enjoy throughout Redwood Falls.
That is why tree planting in Redwood Falls is about more than replacing trees. It is about thoughtfully planning for the future of the community's parks, neighborhoods, and public spaces.
Community Partnerships Are Making the Difference
One of the greatest strengths behind tree planting in Redwood Falls is the number of people and organizations working together toward a shared goal.
Reforest Redwood Falls has played an important role in coordinating projects throughout the community. As a member of the Redwood Area Communities Foundation, the organization continues bringing together local donors, volunteers, businesses, and community leaders to restore and strengthen Redwood Falls' urban forest.
These partnerships allow projects to move forward that might otherwise take years to complete. They also demonstrate what can happen when community members invest not only financially, but with their time, leadership, and commitment to improving public spaces.
The tree planting projects completed this year reflect that shared investment in Redwood Falls' future and demonstrate what can be accomplished when community partners work together to care for the places that bring people together.
Improvements Continue Across City Parks
The community's commitment to restoring the urban forest can be seen throughout Redwood Falls with several successful planting projects completed this year.
At Perk's Park, 10 new trees were planted thanks to a generous $3,500 contribution from the Estebo Foundation. The project introduced a diverse mix of Princeton elms, locusts, hackberries, oaks, lindens, and maples that will help create a stronger and more resilient tree canopy while preparing for the eventual removal of diseased ash trees.
At Memorial Park, the Paul and Marvel Pryor family donated 12 new trees surrounding the recently completed Pryor Pavilion. As these trees mature, they will complement one of the community's newest gathering spaces, creating additional shade and enhancing the park for visitors, community events, and family celebrations.
Johnson Park also benefited from strong community support. The Redwood Falls Rotary Club contributed $5,000 toward the planting project, while the Estebo Foundation provided an additional $2,500. Rotary members also volunteered their time to help mulch the newly planted trees, demonstrating that meaningful community investment often extends beyond financial contributions.
These 2026 tree planting projects build on the momentum established by previous restoration efforts, including the tree planting completed at Legion Park. Together, they represent the next chapter in Redwood Falls' long-term commitment to restoring and strengthening the City's urban forest.
More Than Planting Trees
While each of these projects adds new trees to individual parks, their impact reaches much further.
Healthy urban forests help reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, provide habitat for birds and pollinators, lower temperatures during the summer months, and create more enjoyable public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
Trees also contribute to the overall quality of life that attracts families, supports recreation, and enhances neighborhoods throughout the community. They create welcoming spaces where children play, neighbors gather, and community events take place.
These benefits are not immediate. They grow over time.
The trees planted this year may be small today, but years from now they will provide shade over a playground, frame a family photo at a community event, and become part of the everyday experiences that make Redwood Falls special. That long-term perspective is what makes these projects so meaningful.
Growing Together
Successful communities are built through partnerships, thoughtful planning, and a shared commitment to the future.
Tree planting in Redwood Falls reflects all three.
The City extends its sincere appreciation to Reforest Redwood Falls, the Redwood Falls Rotary Club, the Estebo Foundation, the Paul and Marvel Pryor family, and the many volunteers whose generosity and leadership continue making these projects possible.
Their contributions are helping preserve and strengthen some of Redwood Falls' most valued public spaces while creating lasting benefits for future generations.
The 2026 tree planting projects are another important step in a long-term effort to restore Redwood Falls' urban forest. As future planting seasons continue, the City will keep working alongside community partners to enhance parks, strengthen public spaces, and invest in the places where residents gather, explore, and create lasting memories.
The work may begin with planting a tree, but its impact will be felt throughout the community for years to come.
Build for Your Future
The City of Redwood Falls has the land you've been looking for! Contact us today to learn how to get your project started.