The owner of Telluride Ski & Golf Resort, Chuck Horning resides in California, where he spends time on his ranches. With a passion for preserving the environment, Chuck Horning commits efforts to restoring the land and increasing wildlife activity. To achieve this, he plants thousands of trees each year, ranging from valley oak to ponderosa pine.
Providing a habitat for plant and animals, the ponderosa pine significantly contributes to the growth and health of surrounding ecosystems. In the case of animals, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals, the tree provides shelter and food. As a seedling or sapling, the ponderosa pine also offers cover for small animals. Aging into a young tree, the pine develops more density, which acts as a thermal canopy. By middle age, the pine tree begins to produce cones, bringing in nests of squirrels and raptors. Subsequently, when the tree reaches maturity, it grows seeds and provides nourishment for a variety of birds, namely owls and passerine species. Ponderosa pines are most useful to wildlife at this stage.
Providing a habitat for plant and animals, the ponderosa pine significantly contributes to the growth and health of surrounding ecosystems. In the case of animals, such as reptiles, birds, and mammals, the tree provides shelter and food. As a seedling or sapling, the ponderosa pine also offers cover for small animals. Aging into a young tree, the pine develops more density, which acts as a thermal canopy. By middle age, the pine tree begins to produce cones, bringing in nests of squirrels and raptors. Subsequently, when the tree reaches maturity, it grows seeds and provides nourishment for a variety of birds, namely owls and passerine species. Ponderosa pines are most useful to wildlife at this stage.