State of Change: Could Climate Change Push This Forest off the Mountain Top?

---

As a nonprofit journalism organization, we depend on your support to fund our nationwide Connected Coastlines climate reporting. Donate any amount today to become a Pulitzer Center Champion and receive exclusive benefits!

---

North Carolina’s high elevation peaks like Grandfather Mountain near Linville are home to a unique ecosystem: the spruce-fir forest. Plants and animals that inhabit this forest can survive extreme conditions but as temperatures increase and precipitation shifts, will they be able to adapt?