Education & Outreach
Next Generation
Children all over the United States 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 as most tropical rainforests and equally in peril.
The study of the longleaf pine ecosystem presents an opportunity to understand important biological concepts, the cultural history and modern conservation issues of a large portion of the southeastern United States. Environmental education is a powerful tool we can use to raise awareness, increase engagement, and grow a love for longleaf across the range.
The Longleaf Alliance’s educational series, Learning with Longleaf, highlights the natural and cultural history of longleaf pine ecosystems. Illustrations by Patrick Elliott accompany each topic and double as coloring sheets.
More educational resources from The Alliance:
Burner Bob® - Longleaf pine's prescribed fire advocate and mascot is a Bobwhite Quail.
Longleaf Ecosystem Print - This large-scale, ecosystem level drawing, illustrated by Patrick Elliott of Tallahassee, FL, depicts many of the plants and animals found in the longleaf pine forest and includes a black and white coded key. A "Teacher set" is available for purchase - see our merchandise page for details.
Tumbling Longleaf Ecosystem - an oversized Jenga®-like activity with color-coded blocks representing components of the longleaf ecosystem – longleaf pines, groundcover plants, wildlife, and fire – 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