blister rust

Tree climber Matt Zhun reaches through the branches of a whitebark pine to find cones. The climbers are protecting the cones from birds and mammals that like to eat the seeds.

Scientists sequence Oregon whitebark pine genome to help the threatened trees

Courtney Flatt

One tree in Central Oregon has helped protect iconic whitebark pine trees across the West. Scientists have sequenced the threatened tree’s genome, which helps plant more resilient trees faster.

Tree climber Phil Chi does one last safety check before he climbs to the top of a whitebark pine tree.

Environment and Planning

Whitebark pines – the ‘quintessential wilderness tree’ – added to the Endangered Species List

Courtney Flatt

The federal government announced Wednesday it’s designating whitebark pine trees as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Tree climber Matt Zhun reaches through the branches of a whitebark pine tree to find cones.

Environment and Planning

Pining for whitebarks: researchers work across the Northwest to save 'quintessential wilderness trees'

Courtney Flatt

If you’ve ever backpacked in the Northwest’s mountaintops, you’ve likely spent some time among whitebark pines. These important trees are bringing together researchers across the West, who want to save them from a fatal fungus.