Reforestation: western us
Hello FTA readers! We pass along an incredible project from Adventure Scientists:
Forests in the Western United States are being devastated by wildfires, climate change, natural disasters, disease, and other factors. These disturbances diminish their ability to regenerate: to establish seedlings that eventually become mature trees in a forest.
In order to protect these vital forest ecosystems, there is an increasing need for reforestation efforts, but limited access to conifer seeds. Currently, the US Forest Service is only able to re-plant approximately 20% of national forest lands that need reforestation, but don’t have access to vital native seeds.
Knowing the location and abundance of these seed-producing cones is crucial for widespread reforestation efforts. Adventure Scientists is thrilled to partner with Mast Reforestation for a second year to survey cone crops for critical reforestation efforts.
Read 2023’s Reforestation project report here.
We are seeking volunteers to scout for conifer cones and record survey data throughout 15 national forests in Montana and California. These data will be used to collect seeds for vital reforestation in areas affected by wildfire and climate change.
WHO
We invite all volunteers interested in preserving forest ecosystems to join this project! As hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, climbers, or any outdoor adventurers, volunteers will be crucial to successfully identifying cone crops.
WHAT
Volunteers will be trained to scout and document female closed cones on conifer tree species within national forests. This short and accessible training can be completed on one’s own time, and will guide volunteers through cone identification, surveying protocols, and trip planning. Once volunteers document cones, experienced seed collectors will use these data to collect cones for replantation and reforestation.
WHERE
Volunteers are invited to survey through the following select national forests:
California:
Stanislaus, Eldorado, Sierra, Plumas, Tahoe, Inyo, Sequoia, and Lassen
Montana:
Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Helena-Lewis and Clark, Lolo, Bitterroot, Flathead, parts of Custer-Gallatin, and Kootenai
WHEN
The field season lasts from June 5th through August 31, 2024.
Apply here!