Join us for a webinar on April 6 at 6 p.m. PDT to launch the “5-Needle Pines Along the Pacific Crest Trail” community science project. Register here. Learn more about the magnificent five-needle pines, why they are in trouble and how you can help monitor their health with use of the iNaturalist app. The project is a collaboration among the California Native Plant Society, Pacific Crest Trail Association and Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation.
The forests along the length of the PCT showcase unparalleled conifer diversity and are home to about 10% of the world’s conifer species. The five-needle pines found along the trail include sugar pine, limber pine, foxtail pine, whitebark pine and western white pine. These ancient trees provide an iconic backdrop for outdoor recreators across the mountain West, in addition to many landscape benefits like wildlife food and habitat.
But all is not well with the five-needle pines of western North America. These trees face numerous threats (e.g., fungal and insect infestations) to their survival that are amplified by climate change impacts. Scientists are trying to learn more about the uncertain future these pines face. You are invited to join this effort to better understand the rapidly changing conditions confronting five-needle pines by contributing your tree observations on the PCT. Also read the full article announcing the project in the Winter 2022 issue of PCT Communicator magazine.
Register here to attend the free webinar.
