Since 2008, when Pando’s size was verified by researchers, the world’s largest tree has been the subject of countless headlines and stories that stir wonder, advance scientific debates, and capture the imagination of tree lovers and travelers from around the world. In fact, 300,000 people a year visit the land Pando calls home, not only to experience the tree, but also to enjoy Fish Lake, the largest natural mountain freshwater lake in Utah. Despite Pando’s outsized popularity, we lack a complete photographic record of the tree, a record scientists and land managers need to understand, track and monitor the tree’s health.

Since the 1860’s, photography has played a critical role helping scientists, the public and policy makers understand and protect the majesty of the American landscape. Although it may be hard to believe, scientists still use photos taken in the 1800’s and compare them images taken in our time to better understand change over time; a practice known as re-photography. In an era of satellites, artificial intelligence and GPS, re-photography may seem outdated, but it plays a vital role in forest management and conservation. By creating the first photographic inventory of Pando, our work will provide a baseline image which scientist and land managers can use  monitor changes for generations to come.

In Summer of 2021, Friends of Pando gathered a group of students and citizen scientists to embark on creation of the first color image of Pando’s entire 106-acre span using cutting-edge 360-degree cameras and global information systems. Work on the photo survey is ongoing and once complete, will be made freely available for scientists to study and the world to enjoy.