Indigenous people have studied and cared for forests along the Mississippi River in Minnesota for thousands of years, and their dedication to these places continues. With the Adaptive Silviculture for Climate Change (ASCC) research in Crosby Farm Regional Park (Crosby), scientists are following in this effort by making observations to guide stewardship in a rapidly changing world.

The future of Minnesota forests is uncertain for several reasons. Emerald ash borer (EAB), an introduced insect from Asia that feeds on the ash cambium, is expected to kill nearly all the ash trees in infected areas, taking down much of the canopy in some areas. This creates an opportunity to plant trees for greater forest diversity and resilience, but growing conditions are changing. Climate change is altering the timing of seasons and floods, and causing warmer temperatures and more severe weather. Since trees take years to grow to maturity, considering future conditions is critical to ensuring that spaces along the river hold on to the benefits of a tree canopy.

At Crosby in Saint Paul, Mississippi Park Connection joined partners to test tree species that are adapted to future climates. In 2020, more than 200 volunteers helped install 24 test plots and plant 1,200 test trees. The plots were strategically placed in gaps in the tree canopy created by EAB, and are fenced off to protect them from deer herbivory and other animals. This 20-year project is part of an international ASCC network, which aims to provide land managers with information they can use to care for forests.

Crosby is the first urban site in the network and, unlike other test sites located far from human activity, is designed to be a ‘teaching forest’ where the public can see, learn about, and participate in this research. This site has depended on the work of local community volunteers from its beginning. You can join their efforts by checking on equipment, collecting data, or joining the Crosby Crew, a group that gathers regularly to maintain the plots. Email volunteer@parkconnection.org or visit the link below to learn more about these opportunities.