Protecting Trees for Future Generations
Seven national parks have joined forces to save the whitebark pine from extinction. These incredible trees face many threats and time is running out. But it's not too late to help.
Our story begins high on a mountain in western Canada
Here, the whitebark pine stands its ground against the elements: strong winds, extreme temperatures and exposed terrain. These sturdy trees thrive in places where few other trees can. They are survivors.
Let's meet the whitebark pine tree
Have you met a whitebark pine tree? Have you looked at its needles—pointy bunches of five? Many people have not, simply because the trees grow in such remote places. Still, we are all connected to the whitebark pine in some way.
Whitebark pine trees play a key role in mountain ecosystems. They provide habitat, stabilize soil and hold onto snow. In the springtime, this means slower snowmelt and less flooding. So even though whitebark pine trees live high in the mountains, they help humans and wildlife in the valleys below. And that’s not all...
Whitebark pine cones are the ultimate food source! Hidden inside are nutritious seeds packed full of protein and fat. Many animals, like bears, squirrels and birds, rely on these seeds. One bird, called the Clark’s nutcracker, does more than just eat the seeds. Its relationship with whitebark pines is surprising, unique and important to the trees’ survival...
Clark's Nutcracker and Whitebark Pine by Parks CanadaParks Canada
We stand to lose a lot if whitebark pines disappear. And that could happen—the trees are currently endangered and facing multiple threats! Parks Canada team members from seven national parks have joined forces to address these threats and help the whitebark pine.
Whitebark Pine Monitoring Sites in the Canadian Mountain National ParksParks Canada
Lieux de surveillance du pin à écorce blanche dans les parcs
Une carte topographique illustre les sept parcs nationaux des montagnes du Canada: les parcs nationaux Jasper, Banff, Yoho et Kootenay ainsi que les parcs nationaux des Lacs-Waterton, du Mont-Revelstoke et des Glaciers. Des symboles d'arbres marquent l'emplacement des
Whitebark Pine Monitoring Sites in the Canadian Mountain National ParksParks Canada
Whitebark Pine Monitoring Sites
A topographic map shows the seven mountain national parks in Canada: Jasper, Banff, Yoho, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, Mount Revelstoke and Glacier. Tree symbols mark the locations of long-term health monitoring sites for whitebark pine.
The deadliest threat: White pine blister rust
This invasive fungal disease kills many whitebark pine in the Rocky and Columbia mountains. The fungus enters through the needles and then spreads, attacking tissue and disrupting the flow of nutrients. One sign of infection is orange "blisters" on the bark.
Some whitebark pine appear to naturally resist blister rust, but those trees are rare. When Parks Canada identifies this, they take action. Staff climb into the treetop and secure protective cages around cones. We don’t want Clark’s nutcrackers to take the precious seeds!
Seedlings of hope
When the cones are mature, the seeds are collected. Some are sent to tree nurseries to grow; others are saved in a seed bank. At the nurseries, it’s a waiting game. Tiny seedlings are put through multiple trials to see how resistant they are to blister rust. Many seedlings are planted back in the national parks.
Preparing to Plant Whitebark Pine Seedlings with Exposed RootsParks Canada
Preparing and Planting Whitebark Pine Seedlings
Parks Canada staff members prepare to plant whitebark pine seedlings with exposed roots in Jasper National Park.
White pine blister rust isn't the only threat
While these blister rust-resistant seedlings offer hope, they still have to survive other threats: mountain pine beetle, historical fire suppression and climate change. Once again, Parks Canada is helping out.
One way that we protect whitebark pine trees from mountain pine beetles is with chemical signals. Small packets are attached to trees, and the natural chemicals inside communicate with the beetles. The chemicals basically say, "no vacancy, move along!"
Another way that we support whitebark pine is through wildfire management and prescribed fire. Fire is an important part of mountain ecosystems. It has many benefits for whitebark pine, like removing other trees that compete for resources and creating openings that attract Clark’s nutcrackers. A landscape shaped by fire means good habitat for whitebark pine.
Planting seeds contributes to long term restoration goals
All the work Parks Canada does to help the whitebark pine contributes to long-term restoration goals. For example, from the moment a new seedling is planted in the park, it takes decades for the tree to grow, mature and produce its own cones.
Whitebark pine restoration requires time and a lot of hard work. Parks Canada has set the wheel in motion and will continue to grow a network of helping hands. Together, we can protect the whitebark pine for future generations.
Children with Whitebark Pine SaplingsParks Canada
Child with Whitebark Pine Saplings
A child can be seen crouching by a young whitebark pine sapling in front of a sculpture of whitebark pine cones at Snowforest Campground in Mount Revelstoke National Park.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.