The southeastern coastal plains of the United States were once covered by longleaf pine woodlands. These woodlands were home to many animals like flatwoods salamander and fox squirrels and, according to folklore, splinter cats and whirling whimpuses! Today we have less than one percent of this important resource left.

Join us as we find out what is being done to save this resource for the future. We'll visit one of the best examples of old growth longleaf pine anywhere: Greenwood Plantation. We'll also visit Moody Forest Natural Area to see how the Nature Conservancy and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are using prescribed burning to restore the forest to a healthy state.

We'll talk with author Janisse Ray about the importance of the restoration of the longleaf pine forest landscape. And we'll see visit the homes of this forest's keystone species- a gopher tortoise burrow and a red cockaded woodpecker's nesting cavity.

Related Links

Safe Harbor
This program helps landowners with the problem of managing their land without contributing to the decline of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

Gopher Tortoise Council
Is working to conserve the gopher tortoise and the fascinating world in which it lives.

The Long Leaf Alliance
Was formed in response to the steady decline of the long leaf pine ecosystem and strives to promote ecological and economic value of long leaf pine. You can find out about the work they do, how to become a member, and how to nominate a champion tree!

Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center at Ichauway
The mission is to serve as a regional center of excellence in ecology and natural resource management that includes integrated research, education, and conservation goals.

Nature Conservancy
working to save the last great places on earth. In Georgia, the Conservancy is actively involved with managing both Moody Forest Natural Area and Greenwood Plantation.

Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Infomation about visiting a Wildlife Management Area

Recommended Reading

Ecology of a Cracker Childhood
By Janisse Ray

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