By Michael Kauffmann
Western North America’s five-needle pines are, in my opinion, among the most beautiful living creatures on Earth. They are also major contributors to the unique high-elevation aesthetic of the Pacific Crest Trail. A pine tree is a kind of conifer, and five-needle pines along the trail include ... Read more
Many of us have been on the Pacific Crest Trail and heard the percussive roll of a woodpecker, seen swallows darting overhead at dusk, or watched from a high ridge as hawks soar thermals below. Whether you’re new to birding (the preferred term for “birdwatching”) or an experienced birder, the ... Read more
By Megan Dolman PhD candidate in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior, Boise State University
[This article was originally published in The Conversation.]
With spring settling in across the U.S. and days lengthening, many people are ready to spend more time outside. But ... Read more
To launch the project, invite you to participate, and educate you, we hosted a webinar on April 6, 2023. Watch it and then get involved!
Learn more in this presentation about the magnificent five-needle pines, why they are in trouble and how you can help monitor their health with use ... Read more
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 ... Read more
All is not well with the five-needle pines of western North America. Let’s help them. Head on over to our project webpage see you how can get involved.
PCTA has partnered with the California Native Plant Society and Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation to raise awareness about the plight of five-needle ... Read more
Editor’s Note: The PCTA is committed to uplifting more diverse voices within the outdoor community, and here we highlight two of those voices. In 2010, Bethany “Fidget” Hughes and Lauren “Neon” Reed met while thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at a time when women were far less represented in the ... Read more
In the face of ever-increasing wildfire threats and a changing climate, the iconic Giant Sequoia groves of the Sierra Nevada are in the crosshairs.
“Six of the seven largest wildfires in California history have occurred in the past two years, and in that period, up to nearly one fifth of ... Read more
Welcome to the blog of the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Check back often for news about the trail.