The Aspen Tree

Aspen Trees - Populus Tremuloides

I was sitting in a meeting at work watching a video about Guest Services and the most amazing fact flashes across the screen... Did you know that Aspen tree groves have ONE root system?

A stand of aspen is really only one huge organism. In fact, the aspen colonies are not only known as the world's largest living organism, they are also the world's oldest known living organism. And here I thought aspens were just another pretty tree to look at... 

Boy, was I wrong! Fascinated by this fact about their root system, I did a little poking around on the internet and found out some really interesting facts:

• Each individual tree can live for 40–150 years above ground, but the root system of the colony continues to live for a long time. In some cases, this is for thousands of years, sending up new trunks as the older trunks die off above ground.
• The largest living Aspen colony is named Prado and is located in the Fishlake National Forest, near Fish Lake in south-central Utah. The name "Prando" was chose because it is Latin for "I spread." Currently, Prado covers 107 acres and has 47,000 stems. The average lifespan of the Prado trunk (or stem) is approximately 130 years.
•  The root system of Pando is estimated to be among the oldest known living organisms in existence at 80,000 years of age.
• Prado is also considered to be the world's heaviest known organism, weighing approximately 6,600 short tons.
• The aspen tree is usually the first growth after a fire because the root system is protected, being so far under the ground.
• The aspen is a hardy tree and is relatively easy to grow. It likes lots of sunshine and needs quite a bit of water to thrive. (Somehow, these aspen-like qualities I find within myself... a hardy soul who likes lots of sunshine and water!)

A single aspen grove can grow large enough to cover an entire mountainside while the trees within the grove are interconnected through their shared root system. Each tree stands as an individual and at the same time is connected to the whole. 

Yoga in the Park, Carbondale
hosted by True Nature Healing Arts

As I reflect on this unique characteristic, I am convinced that it is a lot like living here in the rightfully named Aspen Valley. Attending community events like Music in the Park or Mountain Fair, venturing out on the Rio-Grande Bike Trail, soaking in the pools at the Hot Springs, enjoying Yoga in the Park, having fun at First Friday or even just going to the grocery store, you are sure to see a handful of people you know. There is no Six Degrees of Separation in this Valley, it is more like Two Degrees of Separation. 

There is a deep connectedness between people here that goes beyond just "knowing" someone. Life in the Valley is a little slower paced, where appreciation for people and taking time to chat takes precedence. Where lending a hand and sharing a needed item are commonplace. Where smiles come easily and hugs are welcome.


There is just something about living in the shadow of Mt. Sopris, with the tinkling of the Aspen leaves floating on the air, that brings one to the awareness that you are part of something much bigger than yourself. Aaah! The beauty of that moment! With this fresh Rocky Mountain high enlightenment, one is then able to look around and see how truly amazing each flower, tree, rock, cliff and river really are. How divinely stunning each person is, so unique and exquisite. One is able recognize the appreciation and love for the Valley in the eyes and smiles of the locals as they pass by... Because truly, all who live here are connected.

Mt. Sopris with the City of Carbondale nestled at its feet.
Click "here" to view a live webcam of Mt. Sopris.

The symbolism's of the Aspen tree include determination and overcoming fears and doubts. It seems appropriate that  these would be the traits of the oldest, largest and heaviest living organism in the world. And, not surprisingly, it is the trademark of most every person who lives in this Valley. 

Aspen Valley... It's just a good place to live, breath and be.

-Cheryl