Within a year, roots and seeds that were churned up in the landslides came to rest near the surface and sprouted. Insects buzzed in and pollen rode the mountain winds. The air is heavy with alder pollen and fir trees sprout everywhere. As more plants like the purple lupine flower and orange fireweed sprout, rebirth gathers momentum. The area should be fully renewed within 100 years, a blip in geological time.
Scientists continue to monitor the volcano.
Sensors track minor earthquakes, constant reminders of the mountain's active core. The volcano is unlikely to erupt anytime soon, but scientists hope that by studying the mountain's history and rumblings they can predict the next time it will erupt. It could be decades. It could be 100 years. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.