Leonardo DiCaprio Instagram – Whitebark Pine is an iconic symbol of the American West, backdrop of many classic movies and a much-loved part of the outdoors experience. Entire ecosystems rely on this high-mountain hero to moderate snow melt and protect drinking water supplies. Whitebark Pine seeds are also a vital source of protein for Grizzly Bears, Red Squirrels, and a plucky bird called Clark’s Nutcracker. But Whitebark Pine, which can live over 1,000 years, is in trouble as the result of a trio of threats, including a deadly non-native fungus called White Pine blister rust, Mountain Pine Beetles and climate change. There are now more dead whitebarks than live ones. The good news is that Whitebark Pine was just classified as threatened by the Endangered Species Act, which brings much needed attention and support to its restoration. Experts are working hard to find trees that are genetically resistant to blister rust and use their seeds to replant whitebark trees across their range. And groups including @AmericanForests, @ricketts.conservation, @whitebarkfound and @cornellbirds are raising awareness through a campaign to Save the Whitebark Pine. Learn more about the campaign to #SaveTheWhitebarkPine at the link in bio.