Pfad der Pioniere 01: Pioniere des Waldes

The Path of the Pioneers leads along the valley flank above the Albula River. Normally, spruce trees in particular grow at this altitude. Here, however, they share the space with pine trees. It is too uncomfortable for the spruces: too little precipitation, too many avalanches and debris flows. The pines like it much better. The pioneer plants grow where the living conditions are too harsh for other plants. Their pioneering character enables them to settle the scree slopes immediately after avalanches, rockfalls, ruts or forest fires. Provided they get a lot of light, pines can withstand cold, heat, frost and drought. The up to 45m high Waldfören have a rather reddish bark, the up to 25m high Bergfören can be recognized by the grayish bark. A special feature of all pine species are the needles. They are pointed and stinging. Two of them have grown together on a different basis. Pine wood is rich in resin.