Whitebark Pine Education Day

Join us on Friday, March 13, to hear from experts about the plight of the whitebark pine and efforts to protect this important tree species on Big Mountain and beyond.

Learn about this unique tree's ecology, its dependence on a bird to plant its seeds, and plans for restoration. Also learn how Whitefish Mountain Resort works to protect and restore this magnificent tree through a program that encourages ski areas to be "whitebark pine friendly."

Experts with the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation will deliver a free educational presentation on the lower level of the Summit House starting at 12:30 p.m. Afterward, the group will ski or ride down Toni Matt to study a whitebark pine up close.

This event is a great opportunity for guests of all ages to learn about whitebark pine research, conservation and citizen-science initiatives!

Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, whitebark pines have disappeared in large numbers due to climate change, wildfires, mountain pine beetles and a fungus known as white pine blister rust.

The Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation is a nonprofit based in Missoula that promotes the conservation and restoration of whitebark pine and other high-elevation, five-needle white pines through education, outreach, research and collaborations.

In 2016, Whitefish Mountain Resort became the first ski resort in the nation certified by the foundation as a Whitebark Pine Friendly Ski Area.