New project: Aspen regeneration and growth in Oregon, US 

The Aspen Project is a new project on the Climategames platform which focuses on protecting and restoring aspen woodland habitats in Oregon, US. Aspen woodlands are rare but ecologically important ecosystems.

The project aims to restore and manage aspen woodland habitats which are areas dominated by aspen trees with grasses, shrubs, and wildflowers underneath. These woodlands often occur in moist patches within otherwise dry landscapes or alongside streams.

What the project does

• Restoring natural disturbance processes like fire
• Removing competing conifers that crowd out aspen
• Limiting heavy grazing by livestock or wildlife
• Controlling invasive plants and restoring native vegetation.

These efforts help encourage new aspen growth and regeneration, ensuring that existing stands survive and expand.

Why Aspen growth and regeneration matters

Aspen woodlands are considered a key habitat because they support a wide range of wildlife and ecological functions. In landscapes dominated by shrubs and grasses, aspen groves add structure and shelter that many species depend on.

They provide:

• nesting sites and food for birds and insects
• shelter and forage for animals like deer, elk, and bears
• healthy watersheds by trapping snow and slowly releasing water
• biodiversity “hotspots” with high insect and plant diversity.

However, aspen habitat has declined significantly, in fact in some regions of Oregon around 79% of aspen woodlands have been lost since the 1800s, largely due to fire suppression, grazing pressure, and forest changes.

The Aspen Project works to restore and protect disappearing aspen woodlands, which are vital for wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. By helping these forests regenerate, the project supports more resilient landscapes and protects an important but threatened habitat.

We are working with American Forests to bring you US tree regeneration in Oregon. Support this incredible project through Climategames now.