National Parks Traveler Podcast | Saving Whitebark Pines

S7E359 - National Parks Traveler Podcast | Saving Whitebark Pines

Published: January 31, 2026

Duration: 37:21

Whitebark pines are a Western icon that the National Park Service has designated as a "vital sign" species because they are critical to ecosystem functions. But they are at risk of extinction due to climate change, beetles, and a fatal fungus from Eurasia.

Our guest today is Dr. Elizabeth Pansing, the director of forest and restoration science for American Forests, a nonprofit organization that strives to create healthy and resilient forests.

This program was made possible in part by the Park Foundation.