$1 million to Conserve Whitebark Pine
Some of North America's most beloved mountain landscapes depend on a single tree species: the whitebark pine. Found throughout high-elevation forests and national parks across the western United States, this keystone species provides critical wildlife habitat, food sources, and soil stabilization that help entire ecosystems thrive.
Today, the whitebark pine faces significant threats from white pine blister rust, mountain pine beetles, wildfire, and climate change. Together, these challenges have contributed to the loss of more than 325 million trees, putting both the species and the ecosystems that depend on it at risk.
To help protect and restore these landscapes, the Life Time Foundation committed a $1 million grant to American Forests. Working alongside conservation partners, including the National Park Service, American Forests is helping restore whitebark pine populations through seed collection, disease-resistant seedling cultivation, and reforestation efforts across the species' range.
The whitebark pine's impact extends far beyond the tree itself. Its presence supports wildlife, protects watersheds, and helps maintain the health and resilience of some of our most iconic mountain environments.
Through this partnership, the Life Time Foundation is investing in the long-term health of these ecosystems and helping ensure future generations can experience the beauty and benefits of thriving high-elevation forests.