Friends of Pando is dedicated and working to educate the public, support research and preservation efforts and inspire stewardship of Pando, the world’s largest tree.
We envision a future where Pando is understood, monitored, documented and cared for so that it may be enjoyed for generations to come.
Just as each of the 47,000 branches of Pando are unique expressions of the larger tree, we recognize each person brings unique talents, insights, and skills. We appreciate and respect all who are inspired by the tree and declare “A friend of Pando, is a friend of mine.”
Just as Pando is one tree that spreads it roots widely, Friends of Pando works to foster collaboration working with all who demonstrate a sincere commitment to a future where Pando is understood and thrives.
Just as the branches of Pando reach in all directions as it seeks the light, Friends of Pando seeks to creatively advance our vision and inspire stewardship.
As the Pando represents thousands of years of sustained growth, Friends of Pando supports and promotes long-term thinking to advance understanding and inspire stewardship.
Just as the branches of Pando fall off as the tree finds better paths to light, Friends of Pando works to advance our vision through open communication relying on data, insights and gathering feedback to improve and advance our operations as we grow.
Working with our partners, sponsors and community members, Friends of Pando is dedicated to developing creative approaches to long term conservation creating opportunities right here, in Pando’s homeland.
Former Mayor of Richfield and longtime resident of Richfield, Utah, Founder and Board President, Dave Ogden has recently retired from public service. He first met with Lance Oditt, Friends of Pando’s Executive Director in early 2020 to talk about the Pando tree and has been instrumental in helping get Friends of Pando up and running. In his work as President he has provided leadership, logistic support and outreach to small business and community organizations, helping Friends of Pando realize its vision to see that our investments, leadership and the opportunities we create, can have a positive and lasting community impact. Even though he is officially “retired,” Dave continues his work as a local historian, writing and publishing history articles as well inspirational stories and poetry. Dave loves to travel and also helps run the Richfield Visitor Center.
Friends of Pando founder and Executive Director Lance Oditt first fell in love with trees in rural Ohio where he used to climb a hickory tree on the family property and read books. He first experienced Pando in 2017, and In 2019, began to organize community calls with people who shared his passion for the tree to gather ideas to ensure this natural wonder can be enjoyed for generations to come. Lance brings 7 years experience working on Pando doing everything from research support and documentary efforts to fence building to developing partnerships and programs that employ local students and fellow Pando lovers. In addition to his love and concern for Pando, Lance brings background in public service and community resource development (Americorps) as well as experience leading large scale projects in the high tech sector (Microsoft, State of Texas).
Founder and board Treasurer, Hope Smith, is a certified Human Resources professional who works for an environmentally focused software engineering company. She has over 10 years’ background in executive non-profit management, 4+ years in accounting, and many years as a small business owner. Hope was first captivated by Pando in 2019, then in 2021, she provided logistics and support for the team, taking part herself in photography work, while also cooking for a team of 20 each day. Now in her second year with Friends of Pando, Hope’s unique blend of experience in nonprofit leadership, HR and business have provided rare and invaluable insights to the Friends of Pando board.
The Community Liaison Program is rooted in our boots-on-the-ground ethos. In their roles, Community Liaisons pilot and develop programs working with community leaders where Pando lives. Each Ambassador has ties to Pando and the land it calls home, and brings leadership background and field experience to help support broader efforts to protect and preserve Pando and inspire stewardship.
Jameson Pace grew up in Bicknell, Utah, just south of the Pando. Growing up, he herded cattle and helped run a family farm. Earlier in his career, Jameson spent summers working for the United States Forest Service on projects to understand and care for Pando, arduous work that earned him the T-shirt “I Survived Pando”. In his role as Community Liaison, Jameson is working to develop a “Pando Youth Ambassador Program,” creating opportunities for local high school. Beyond his work as a Community Liasion ,Jameson continues ranching and, is a loan officer for local State Bank of Southern Utah bringing background, insight and experience in financial planning and local investment strategy. He currently lives in Loa with the love of his life and 4 young kids. In his free time, he frequents Pando’s homeland and enjoys kayaking, hiking, camping, hunting and fishing
Toni Horrall is a lifetime resident of Salt Lake City and has enjoyed spending her summers at Fishlake for over 30 years. She built a cabin with her husband Mike two miles from Fishlake and resides half of every year. Toni recently retired from owning her own business with her husband for over 30 years. She has been President of Aspens of Fishlake Homeowners Association since 2010. Toni is proud that her Homeowners Association has earned certification from the National Firewise USA Program and will bring that talent and experience organizing folks to undertake some of the first restoration undertaken in Pando since 2014. In her free time, enjoys spending time with her two children and six grandchildren. Toni also loves hiking, running, fishing, sewing and taking her dog Ruger for walks.
Friends of Pando was founded in 2019 by a group of researchers, artists, land managers, educators and community leaders who came together to share their ideas and their passion for Pando. Through a series of informal calls facilitated by Founder and Executive Director Lance Oditt, the group brainstormed about what could be done to help protect Pando and ensure that the tree can be enjoyed for generations to come. The result of those gatherings was a slate of ideas that form the core of our mission today, including:
Those early gatherings provided structure for our development strategy and inspired a sense of shared responsibility that informs our operational ethos today.
Friends of Pando is dedicated and working to educate the public, support research and preservation efforts and inspire stewardship of Pando, the world’s largest tree.
Your gift of only $14 a month will help protect Pando for generations to come.
Make a one-time or, recurring tax deductible donation today.
Friends of Pando is a proud partner of Pando’s public land stewards, Fishlake National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture.
Learn more about our partnership.
Friends of Pando and its partners are equal opportunity employers.
Friends of Pando
PO Box 12
Richfield, UT, 84701
Phone: 435-633-1893
IRS EIN: 87-3958681
