Beauty

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” (Song of Songs 2:11-12)

About one-third of Rocky Mountain National Park lies above the treeline. At altitudes above 11,000 feet, temperatures are cold and the air is thin. The landscape is dominated by rock and tundra. Here, life is impossible for all but the hardiest of organisms.

Tundra grasses are specially adapted to survive the harsh conditions of these alpine areas. Most tundra plants have a taproot that enable them to access water and nutrients from deep in the soil. And many grow low to the ground for protection against the wind.

Interestingly, tundra grasses are both hardy and fragile. While these plants are able to withstand extreme alpine conditions, they are easily damaged when people or animals walk over them. For this reason, park officials ask visitors to stay on the marked trails.

And yet, here in the midst of struggle, we still find beauty. For a brief period each summer, the alpine meadows burst forth in wildflowers. A masterful artwork of perseverance.