Ecosystem Health and Resilience Series: Understanding the Ponderosa Forest - Fire, Climate, and Change

Step into Boulder’s ponderosa pine forest as an outdoor classroom and uncover the story behind today’s wildfire challenges. On this guided hike, we’ll explore how fire, climate, insects, topography, and human land use have shaped this lower montane landscape over time. By observing clues in the forest such as tree spacing, stand structure, drought stress, bark beetle activity, and signs of past fire—you will gain a deeper understanding of forest change, wildfire risk, and stewardship. This is an approximately 2.5 mile hike with a total elevation gain of 500 feet. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress for sun and changing weather.