The Clark’s Nutcracker Project

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Protecting an ancient relationship between bird and tree.

Whitebark pines produce nutritious seeds. Clark’s Nutcrackers extract and cache from the cones in fall. Come spring, the birds use stored seeds to raise their young.

THE PROBLEM

Whitebark pine populations are losing ground.

White pine blister rust. Pine beetle epidemics. Wild fires and climate change. Over the past several decades, whitebark pine have been devastated by a variety of elements.

They’re facing an uncertain future in the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

THE SOLUTION

Do our part for Clark’s Nutcracker birds.

Restoring whitebark pine to the landscape requires healthy Clark’s Nutcracker populations.

Our goal is two-fold: 1) understand what seed sources the birds utilize when the pines don’t produce a large crop and 2) better understand how to protect the Clark’s Nutcracker.

While we do this, organizations such as the Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation work hand-in-hand with federal agencies and tribal governments to restore the whitebark pine with an eye on long-term survival.
RELATED BLOG POSTS

The Clark's Nutcracker:  My Whitebark Pine Story →

March 25, 2023
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Whitebark Pine Ecosystem Foundation
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