Tundra Tales: Issues of Fragility and Resilience

The tundra in Rocky Mountain National Park is a metaphor for strength and endurance. Any day now as the snow melts from Trail Ridge Road, I will get to experience the beloved tundra again. At volunteer training recently, the supervising ranger asked why volunteering on the tundra was so important to each of us. I quickly responded that the fragility AND the resiliency makes this biome enthralling to me.

The tundra, also called “the land above the trees,” is known for its extreme environment and ecological dynamics. Although spring is evident in parts of Rocky Mountain National Park, the tundra will be the last to respond to warmer weather. In addition, the growing season for plants in this high desert area is only 8-10 weeks. The average daytime temperature in July is about 50 degrees F.

The contrast between the fragility of this area and its resilience captivates me. The climate is harsh with extremely low temperatures. The abbreviated growing season results in the ecosystem’s susceptible to disturbances with less time for recovery. Human activities such walking irresponsibly on the area can have lasting impacts. Recovery is a lengthy process.

On the other hand, the tundra is also highly adaptable to harsh conditions. Flora and fauna develop small stature, specialized root systems, and thick fur or feathers for insulation. Permafrost is a stabilizing force preventing erosion and providing a foundation for vegetation. The tundra can recover from disturbances quickly if it is not too severe or frequent.

The mission of the Park Service is to protect public land for future generations. I feel that mandate strongly on the tundra. The increasing pressures of climate change and human activities pose significant challenges to long-term stability and resilience. We can take steps to mitigate negative outcomes through education and awareness.

I love volunteering on the tundra and helping people understand the dimensions of both fragility as well as resilience. The ideas of fragility and resiliency are a metaphor for human lives. People can possess both traits at the same time. Despite times of distress, most of us can be resilient. Just like the tundra, I may be fragile due to some circumstances, but I also possess the ability to overcome those issues through adaptability and recovery over time.