New study: Protecting planted longleaf pine from severe winds

moderate damage to longleaf pine forest in southwest Georgia

Planted stands of longleaf pine contribute to landscape-scale restoration of the ecosystem and the imperiled species it harbors. Yet frequent severe winds from hurricanes occur throughout its range. We surveyed planted stands of longleaf pine in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. We found that damage increased with forest fragmentation and stands with increased taper were most resistant

Now hiring: Landscape Ecology Research Technician

We are seeking applicants from motivated individuals for a Seasonal Research Technican to help with upcoming studies on disturbance ecology and restoration in longleaf pine! Applications are due April 5, 2024.

New Field Guide Links Local Geologic History to Water Resources

Produced in collaboration with Louisiana State University, “Field Guide to the Hydrogeology of Ichauway” uses easily observed land features as examples where geology and hydrology come together. As it turns out, the present situation in this region is founded on millions of years of history that shaped the landscape. 

Can off-site native pines accelerate longleaf pine restoration?

Meeting the pace and scale of longleaf pine restoration may require innovative solutions. Restoration of longleaf pine woodlands often starts with removal of native pines, prior to re-establishing longleaf pine. Here, we review functional similarities among native, off-site pines such as loblolly, slash, and shortleaf have enough functional similarity. We found that native-off site species may be a useful tool for providing many of the ecological benefits especially if their retention permits unterrupted management with fire and open structure.

Pollen shedding countdown for longleaf pine

Longleaf pine pollen shedding is highly predictable based on temperature. Thanks to the diligent work of USDA Forest Service Scientist, Dr. BIll Boyer, check in daily as we track the anticipated date of peak pollen shedding in Georgia, and read about how Boyer made this discovery.

MS opportunity: Disturbance interactions and tree mortality

The Landscape Ecology lab is teaming up with Dr. Timothy Shearman from Auburn University to recruit a motivated MS student to study how repeated prescribed fire influences mortality from hurricanes. Applications are due by March 1, 2024! Classwork will be completed at Auburn and fieldwork completed at the Jones Center at Ichauway. Please share this unique opportunity widely!

New grant aims to mitigate hurricane risk to pecan orchards

An aerial view of rows and rows of damaged pecan and toppled pecan trees

In a new grant funded by the Natural Resources Conservation service, the Landscape Ecology lab will collaborate with UGA pecan expert Dr. Lenny Wells to address concerns of pecan growers state-wide. Following widespread hurricane damage in the region, this project aims to understand the major drivers of hurricane damage, and make recommendations for hurricane preparedness.

New study: Hurricanes boost reproduction in longleaf pine

longleaf pine cones

Using long-term records of longleaf pine cone production, hurricane tracks, and weather data, a new study has uncovered that hurricanes can boost cone production for two years in the masting species, longleaf pine. The study was led by the Jones Center and the USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station and published in the journal New Phytologist.

New study: Patterns of hurricane gaps in a longleaf pine landscape

longleaf pine and slash pine trees toppled by hurricane michael

Ecological approaches to forestry seek to emulate aspects of natural disturbances like hurricanes which are a common disturbance in longleaf pine forets. This study used airborne lidar to measure patterns of hurricane-created gaps to offer guidance for application of natural disturbance-based management in landscapes dominated by longleaf pine.