Longleaf pines once dominated ecosystems in the Southeastern United States from southeast Virginia to eastern Texas. In the past 400 years, Longleaf grew on over 90 million acres across the US and was the dominant tree species on 60 million of those acres. Due to the booming lumber industry of the 1900’s, the longleaf population quickly decreased by 50%.

By 1995, only 3 million acres remained, with most in poor condition. Currently, only 8,777 acres of old growth longleaf remain. Over half of the old growth left in the country is right here in Northwest Florida. Just to the west of the boardwalk, there is a cluster of longleaf pines.  

 

 

Credits and Sources:

Information courtesy of UWF Historic Trust