KBO Staff Member Featured in Pacific Crest Trail Association Blog
Klamath Bird Observatory’s Thomas McLaren was recently featured in a Pacific Crest Trail Association blog post exploring the fascinating relationship between Clark’s nutcrackers and whitebark pine in the Southern California Mountains.
In the article, Tom shares insights from his previous research on Clark’s nutcrackers, a bird species known for its remarkable memory and important role in dispersing whitebark pine seeds. This mutualistic relationship is especially important as whitebark pine faces serious threats from disease, insects, and changing environmental conditions.
We’re excited to see Tom’s expertise shared with the PCT community and to help highlight the many ways birds connect people, landscapes, and conservation.
Read the full Pacific Crest Trail Association blog here: https://www.pcta.org/2026/ecoregions-southern-california-mountains-97987/
