To Restore and Protect: the Longleaf Pine Workshop

On December 10th, we celebrated an inspiring gathering of conservationists, landowners, and enthusiasts at the Longleaf Planting and Maintenance Workshop, hosted by a dedicated landowner in North Carolina. This event was sponsored by ForestHer and The Nature Conservancy, marking a significant milestone in promoting sustainable land management practices, especially among women landowners in the region.

The longleaf pine ecosystem is a vital component of North Carolina's natural heritage, once dominating the landscape across the southeastern United States. Historically, longleaf pine forests were abundant, covering an estimated 90 million acres. However, due to logging, land conversion for agriculture, and urban development, this majestic tree species has diminished to less than 3% of its original range. The longleaf pine is not only essential for the state’s biodiversity—with its unique understory that supports a wide range of wildlife—but it also plays a crucial role in enhancing soil health, improving water quality, and fostering a resilient environment in the face of climate change.

The importance of longleaf pines is particularly significant to women landowners, who are often underrepresented in land management conversations. Empowering women through education and resources allows them to take active roles in their land stewardship, ensuring the preservation of these vital ecosystems for future generations. Programs like ForestHer focus on building a community among women landowners, providing them with the knowledge and support needed for responsible land management.

The workshop was a great success, bringing together conservation-minded folks from various organizations, including the North Carolina Forest Service, the NC Wildlife Commission, and local prescribed burn associations. Participants shared a common goal: to learn about the practices needed to enhance longleaf pine habitats. The perfect winter morning provided a perfect backdrop as attendees strolled along the mowed paths of the host’s 25 acres, where four-year-old longleaf saplings and vibrant native grasses showcased the progress of restoration efforts.

Reflecting on the day, the host landowner, Louise, remarked, "On December 10th, I was honored to host a Longleaf Planting and Maintenance workshop sponsored by ForestHer and The Nature Conservancy. The morning dawned crisp and bright, a fortunate combination anytime you have an outdoor event in winter. We had a wonderful combination of conservation-minded folks from the NC Forest Service, the NC Wildlife Commission, ForestHer, the local prescribed burn association, and longleaf and native plant enthusiasts. As we walked along mowed paths winding through the 25 acres of various-sized 4-year-old longleaf saplings and native grasses, I shared the history of the property. It was used as a farm field for 100+ years until 2019 when I inherited the tract. That Fall, I attended a ForestHer workshop in Kinston. This workshop started my journey of utilizing private and public resources to help me learn how to grow and manage longleaf. We had a discussion about the two prescribed burns that were conducted to improve the health of the habitat. Building on the burning discussion, we heard a presentation about how prescribed burn associations can assist private landowners in conducting their own burns. We also heard from James West, who began managing the land in 2024 through a combination of mowing, herbicide, and burning. Now the trees are thriving, and the native grasses are filling in and creating a longleaf savanna landscape for the future. At lunch, it was nice to see everyone networking and sharing stories of their conservation and forest ownership experiences."

The workshop not only provided valuable hands-on education about longleaf pine management but also fostered connections among participants. These relationships are vital for continuing conservation efforts and sharing best practices in land stewardship. As we move forward, it is clear that events like this play a crucial role in advocating for sustainable practices and empowering women in the conservation community. Together, we can restore and protect North Carolina’s precious longleaf pine ecosystems, ensuring they thrive for generations to come.