Tracking Whitebark Pine

Tracking Whitebark Pine

Help Protect an Iconic Tree Species of the Pacific Northwest

Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) stands as one of the true sentinels of the alpine world—battered by wind, sculpted by ice, and vital to our ecosystem. These rugged trees help hold the mountain landscapes together, shading snowpack, feeding wildlife, and anchoring fragile soils. But they’re in trouble.

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On December 14, 2022, whitebark pine was officially listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Across its range, this keystone species is disappearing due to invasive blister rust, mountain pine beetles, changing fire patterns, and the accelerating effects of climate change.

Now you can help change that story.

Washington & Oregon | Experienced Mountaineers, Backcountry Skiers, & Hikers Needed

Whitebark pine grows where few things can— on the ridgelines, scree slopes, and wind-whipped summits of the Cascade and Olympic Ranges. These high-elevation forests are notoriously difficult to reach, which means data about the species’ health and distribution in Washington and Oregon are severely limited.

Collecting accurate, on-the-ground data is essential for guiding restoration, identifying health see sources, and protecting these forests and alpine environments

That’s where you come in.

Be a part of whitebark pine research in Washington and Oregon

Join Adventure Scientists and the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation in Tracking Whitebark Pine, a new project that mobilizes skilled mountaineers, backcountry skiers, and hikers to collect vital data in Washington and Oregon’s national forests.

These data will be used to create an innovative database that allows for collaboration among researchers, the U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies to advance research and active forest management.

You Will:

  • Document whitebark pine locations in targeted management zones (non-wilderness areas) with precise GPS coordinates.
  • Assess tree health, noting signs of blister rust or mountain pine beetle damage.
  • Record cone production and seedling regeneration—key indicators of recovery potential.

Your findings will inform forest management and restoration strategies, helping to shape the future of this threatened species across the Pacific Northwest.

Conservation Impact

 

Every data point you collect strengthens the foundation for recovery.

Your efforts will help:

  1. Update regional models of whitebark pine presence and absence.
  2. Identify stands showing early signs of infestation or resilience.
  3. Pinpoint trees for future cone collection and seed conservation.
  4. Advance restoration planning to ensure whitebark pine endures for generations to come.
Tracking Whitebark Pine Volunteer Interest Form

Tracking Whitebark Pine Volunteer Interest Form

We’re so excited to track whitebark pine with you! To stay up to date and be among the first to track down this keystone species, fill out the form below:
Where are you based out of:


Thank you for completing the interest form. We will be reaching out with project updates and next steps shortly, so keep an eye on your inbox!