When most people think of protecting endangered species, it’s rarely trees that come to mind, but keystone tree species like the critically endangered whitebark pine are incredibly important to the health of forest ecosystems in the Northern Rockies and the Cascades providing essential food and habitat for the feathered and furry. Whitebark pine grow at the treeline at super-high altitudes where the summers are blazing hot and dry, and the winters are frigid. Rich in fats and protein, the seeds of the whitebark pinecone are one of the most nutritious foods available to wildlife and feed more than 100 different animals species. The seeds are an especially important component of the grizzly bear diet providing a food source far from human populations, keeping both bears and humans safe.

Whitebark pine seeds are largely distributed by the Clark’s nutcracker in open meadows where they are the first to germinate and grow into trees after a wildfire. Crucial to forest restoration, whitebark pine provide the shade and moisture that allows less hardy trees to survive the harsh mountain climate. While the vast majority of whitebark pine exist on federally protected land this tree species is dying off at an alarming rate. Blister rust, an aggressive viral disease imported from Europe in 1909, and an exploding population of mountain pine beetles are choking out entire stands of trees. In many places, the mortality rate exceeds 95 percent.

At Favorite World Press, we know that it is the combined efforts of concerned citizens and organizations that will determine the future of some of the world’s most precious and endangered species. Supporting climate-smart restoration of threatened trees like the whitebark pine also helps to ensure the health and survival of all the animals that depend on them—like the grizzly bear. That’s why we are partnering with American Forests to help accelerate the pace and scale of forest restoration across the United States.