Longleaf Pines
Well-managed longleaf pine forests provide quality habitat for a variety of desirable plant and animal species. Though typically thought of as a sandhill species, longleaf pine once covered about 2/3 of the southeast. A longleaf pine stand maintained by fire is among the most biologically diverse habitats in North America. Mature longleaf forests are frequently referred to as "park-like". In both the spring and fall, wildflowers bring the forest to life with a myriad of colors. Because longleaf pines live longer than other southern pines, it has the ability to tie up stored carbon for long periods of time. Longleaf pines not only built the South, but were a major source for the Northeast and Europe as well. Flint Plantation replants longleaf pine because it is more conducive to our sustainable environment and the combined economic return of the timber and livestock significantly exceeds that of a traditional loblolly timber operation.
Above - Longleaf Pines growth stages left to right: seedling, grass stage and rocket stage.
Above 1 & 2 - A pitcher plant is a frequent inhabitants of a well managed longleaf ecosystem. 3. Prescribed fire. 4. Aerial spraying.