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Florida’s longleaf pine forests are among the most unique and ecologically important ecosystems in North America. Through our new Florida Terrestrial Restoration project, we are proud to support new tree plantings in Withlacoochee State Forest in partnership with veritree and the Florida Forest Service.

Together, these efforts are helping restore one of Florida’s historic forest landscapes—bringing back the native longleaf pine sandhill ecosystem that once dominated much of the southeastern United States.

A Forest Landscape Shaped by History

The lands that make up Withlacoochee State Forest have undergone significant changes over the past two centuries. Beginning in the 1800s, widespread logging, agriculture, and shifting land-use practices altered large portions of the region’s natural forest structure.

Historically, these landscapes were dominated by longleaf pine forests—open, sunlit ecosystems maintained by natural fire cycles. Over time, however, many of these native forests were replaced or fragmented, reducing habitat for wildlife and disrupting the ecological balance of the region.

Today, restoration efforts are working to return these landscapes to their natural longleaf pine condition, rebuilding a resilient sandhill ecosystem that can support wildlife, protect soil and water resources, and strengthen Florida’s forest heritage.

Rebuilding the Longleaf Pine Sandhill Ecosystem

The focus of this project is the re-establishment of native longleaf pine, a keystone species that defines Florida’s sandhill habitats.

Longleaf pine forests are uniquely adapted to Florida’s climate and fire ecology. Their open canopy allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, supporting a rich understory of native grasses and wildflowers that form the foundation of the sandhill ecosystem.

Restoring this forest type provides numerous ecological benefits:

• Improved watershed protection through healthier soils and natural water filtration

• Greater climate resilience, as longleaf pines are well adapted to drought, fire, and storm conditions

• Enhanced biodiversity, supporting one of the most species-rich ecosystems in North America

By planting native seedlings and managing the land to encourage natural regeneration, this project helps rebuild a forest that can thrive for generations to come.

Supporting Wildlife Across Florida’s Sandhills

Restoring longleaf pine forests creates vital habitat for many species that depend on this ecosystem.

Among the wildlife that benefit from longleaf pine restoration in Withlacoochee State Forest are:

• Gopher tortoise – A keystone species whose burrows provide shelter for hundreds of other animals

• Sherman's fox squirrel – A distinctive Florida subspecies that thrives in open pine habitats

• Red-cockaded woodpecker – A federally endangered bird that nests exclusively in mature pine forests

• Northern bobwhite – A ground-dwelling bird that relies on healthy grassland and pine ecosystems

As longleaf pine forests recover, they provide the open canopy, native groundcover, and fire-maintained habitat these species need to survive and flourish.

Visit the replanting areas on Google Earth: