Meeting North America’s Rarest Pine Tree

What is the rarest pine tree in North America?

The Torrey pine is found only on Santa Rosa Island (off the coast of California) and overlooking the ocean on the sandy bluffs of Torrey Pines State Preserve in San Diego, California. Only about 3,000 native trees remain, so this evergreen is listed as “critically endangered” by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature).

The Torrey pine is a short, scrubby little tree, with twisted and gnarly branches that make it look like a tough little fighter. And for good reason! Growing along the coast of the Pacific Ocean, this tree is pummeled by strong winds. Being short and stocky, with an extensive root system, keeps Torrey pines from being destroyed during a storm. Interestingly, if a seed is planted (usually by a scrub jay hiding the seed for a future meal) in an area sheltered from the winds, the tree will grow straight and reach twice the height of the coastal variety.

Torrey pines have long needles that catch fog rolling in from the ocean. The fog collects on their needles then rolls down to the ground, where the roots suck it up. This is a great design in a place like Southern California that receives little rain.

Trevor and I, on a trip to Southern California last year, got to explore Torrey Pines State Park to see this super rare tree. It was beautiful! The sandy soil and bluffs, the gorgeous ocean, and these scrubby little trees—all twisted in fun shapes—was a really pretty sight. We hiked all the way down to the ocean and explored the beach (and got rather wet from the spray!).

Hiking in the desert and observing the variety of creatures that call this hot, dry, windy place home, reminded us of God’s care for his creation. This world is nothing like the original creation God made—the original was perfect! No death or suffering and no creatures trying to eke out a living in a harsh world. It was a beautiful paradise, where man and the other creatures lived in harmony and abundance. But, of course, when Adam and Eve sinned, they brought death and suffering into God’s world. Now we live in a broken and groaning creation, with some remains of the beauty of God’s original creation. But, praise God, someday he will restore this world to the way it was!

Well, we’re off on another adventure. Until next time, remember to give God the glory for what he’s made. “On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate” (Psalm 145:5).

P.S. Ask your parents to help you check out our adventure to a different state park, Big Bone Lick State Park, in the first episode of Schus Off!, “Jumpers”!