The Pando Pledge
Pando is the most massive organism in the world–and it could use a little help.
We want to give Pando the attention it deserves, and the funds that it needs to survive and continue to thrive.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
This Arbor Day, The Fishlake Discovery Association is launching a crowd-funding campaign on behalf of the most incredible tree not enough people know about–Pando. Donations will go towards creating educational signage for The Pando Clone Forest, as well as for independent conservation efforts by the Western Aspen Alliance and The Grand Canyon Trust's Utah Forest Program.
WAIT, WHAT'S PANDO AGAIN?
A flippin’ wonder of the natural world, that’s what it is! A single tree and an entire forest, Pando is the most massive organism on Earth– and when we say ‘massive,’ we mean that literally–at 13 million lbs, it has the largest dry weight mass of any living thing on the planet. Located in the Fishlake Basin of Central Utah, Pando is comprised of 47,000 genetically identical quaking aspen stems, all connected by a single root system. And we haven’t even touched on its age–we’re talking over 10,000 years.
WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?
To raise public awareness– not just to help Pando take its place amongst the giants, but to simply help Pando. After decades of overgrazing, its health is declining rapidly. Without further study and scientific action, Pando’s size, vitality, and future are threatened. But also, like.... the thing doesn't have a sign.
WAIT, WHY IS THIS TREE NAMED AFTER A CUTE CHINESE BEAR?
Nope, that’s a Panda. “Pando” is Latin for “I spread,” and was named by one of the scientists researching it who had a flair for the Ancient Roman. This Arbor Day, we’re hoping to spread the love–and monetary obligation– for Pando around, with as many like-minded tree people as possible.
I'VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THIS GIANT TREE CREATURE. WHAT CAN I DO?
Go to the website you're currently on and give them money.
SHOULDN'T THE GOVERNMENT BE DOING THIS?
They've gotten some funding together already, but need help getting over the hump.
WHAT DOES THIS MONEY GO TO SPECIFICALLY?
In addition to the funds secured by the Forest Service, here are our benchmark goals:
$8,000- Welcome sign and funding conservation efforts from the Western Aspen Alliance and the Utah Forest Program
$17,000- Educational exhibit structures and initial sapling fencing endeavors
$20,000– Installation fees
$40,000+- Educational nature walk / much needed fencing endeavors to chill those deer out for a few years and get the next generation back on track.
But let's try to hit $8,000 first. Designers and conservationists have budgeted for educational and conservation goals beyond what's here, but we're starting small and will update as the campaign progresses.
WHO'S INVOLVED WITH THIS?
Two idiots named Brad Einstein and Kyle Niemer put this together with the amazing folks at The Fishlake Discovery Association, on behalf of The Fishlake National Forest, The Western Aspen Alliance and the Grand Canyon Trust's Utah Forest Program.
The National Forest Foundation is sharing our link so we don't know if that counts as an official endorsement but...it's certainly not an active rebuke, either. So is the Old Spanish Trail Association, Pando Populous, The Sevier County Travel Council, and maybe the Scenic Byway Association if Nancy forgives us for keeping the gun-toting bear in. Hopefully, it involves
you too!
