Next Generation
Children are often more knowledgeable about tropical rainforests and other distant habitats than those in their own backyards – even for an ecosystem like longleaf pine, which is as rich in plants and animals and equally in peril.
The longleaf pine ecosystem presents an opportunity to study important biological concepts, cultural history, and modern conservation issues. Environmental education is a powerful tool we can use to grow a love for longleaf across the Southeast.
Learning with Longleaf
The Longleaf Alliance’s 119-page educational series, Learning with Longleaf, includes 21 lessons and 2 extension activities addressing key ecological concepts:
- LONGLEAF PINE FORESTS – The Ecosystem
- WHO LIVES IN THE FOREST? – Diversity & Interrelationships
- FIRE IN THE FOREST – Ecological Disturbance
- HUMAN INFLUENCES – Patterns of Change
Each lesson includes concise messaging for students, background information for teachers, and keyword glossary.
Patrick Elliott's illustrations accompany each topic, with black-and-white printable coloring sheets.
More educational resources from The Longleaf Alliance:
Burner Bob® - Longleaf pine's prescribed fire mascot is a Bobwhite Quail who shares his message in videos and coloring books.
Longleaf Ecosystem Print - This large-scale, ecosystem level drawing, illustrated by Patrick Elliott, depicts 100+ plants and animals and includes a black and white coded key. Available for purchase.
Tumbling Longleaf Ecosystem - an oversized Jenga®-like activity with color-coded blocks representing components of the longleaf ecosystem to interactively demonstrate the role of fire.
Longleaf children's books:
Kingdom of Longleaf by Frances Kwiatkowski
Longleaf by Roger Reid
Longneedle by Ann Runyon
The Story of Pinus Palustris by Margarate Shearin Cumberland