About the Project
Northern Arizona University's ENV 675 graduate class (Topics in Environmental Discourse - Mitigation) partnered with NAU's Department of Forestry to plant 280 ponderosa pines in the 1950 A1 Fire scar.
This project aims to support reforestation efforts, especially in areas affected by wildfires. It is composed of seven teams (GPS, soil, weather station, drone, literature review, site summary, and marketing and fundraising teams) that collaborated on the planting and final project write-up. Check out "The Project's Teams" page to learn more about the duties of each team.
About the A1 Fire
The A1 Fire occurred June 18, 1950 in a forest next to the A1 Mountain outside the City of Flagstaff. The fire was caused by a lightening strike and was exacerbate due to human activity - cigarettes.
Below are photos from the A1 Fire taken by George S. Meagher. These photos are from the U.S. Forest Service's Fort Valley Experimental Forest Collection. To view the phots from the U.S. Forest Service site click on the "A1 Fire Photos" below.
Archive Photos from the Fire
Trees have the power to transform our world, provide clean air, and support diverse ecosystems. Every tree planted is a step towards a sustainable future for all.
Ponderosa Pines
These trees are one of the most widespread in the Western United States. It's bark does not burn easily, allowing them to survive small wildfires which are common in Flagstaff.
Many insects live under the bark making it a haven for several bird species (woodpeckers, chickadees, nuthatches, etc.). Seeds from the pinecones are also an important food source for red squirrels.
Fun fact: When you scratch the bark of a ponderosa pine it smells like vanilla and butterscotch.
