Title: Thriving in the Subalpine

Main Text
Found near treeline, subalpine environments are a mix of open meadows and scattered tree islands. The snowpack lingers here, holding back the forest, and allowing meadows to grow. Subalpine meadow plants have adapted to the high winds, late snowmelt and short growing season. Extensive root systems and mat-like growth help stabilize plants against high winds. Thick, waxy leaves and leaves with tiny hairs help retain heat and moisture. In this environment, trees have adapted unique strategies to survive. They clump together in dense islands that provide mutural physical support as well as shelter from the wind and cold. 

Exhibit Panel Description
A single photo of a ridge with two rocky peaks fills the width of the exhibit panel. The slopes of the ridge are covered in subalpine meadows dotted with patches of conifer trees. The main text stretches across the top third of the photo against a blue sky. In the upper right corner of the panel is a small illustration in a red circle of a boot stepping on a wildflower crossed out by a red slash. Text next to the illustration reads: "Protect Fragile Meadows, Stay on Trails". Below this illustration on the right side of the panel is a small, black and white historic photo of a smiling Native American woman collecting berries from bushes. She has two woven baskets attached to her waist. Text below the image reads: "For thousands of years Native American people traveled to subalpine meadows to hunt and gather berries and other plants. Tribal members continue to come to the mountain for cultural and spiritual renewal." A small box in the lower right corner of the panel reads "User Fee Project. Your Fee Dollars at Work. Entrance fees were used to produce this exhibit".

Visit This Exhibit Panel
This is one of three exhibit panels located at Sunrise Point along the Sunrise Road. The panel looks north over the Cascade Range and the same ridge pictured in the exhibit panel. Sunrise Road is open to vehicles during the summer, typically from early July to September.