Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California The rising sun lit the sky, while I lit the tree with my flashlight. I love these trees for their character and tenacity. They survive where no other trees do, with an annual growing season of only about 45 days. Climate change seems to be affecting these amazing patriarchs, but exactly how isn't clear.
Patriarch Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California The red color of the bark and wood, along with the gnarly growth of the trees, makes for some interesting patterns.
Schulman Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California Some of these trees have only a very narrow piece of living cambrium that keeps the tree alive. The needles on these trees can last for as much as 45 years -- a testament to the trees' ability to survive this environment.
