Covering 92 million acres from Virginia to Texas, the longleaf pine ecosystem was, in its prime, one of the most extensive and biologically diverse ecosystems in North America. Today these magnificent forests have declined to a fraction of their original extent, threatening such species as the gopher tortoise, the red-cockaded woodpecker, and the Venus fly-trap. Conservationists have proclaimed longleaf restoration a major goal, but has it come too late? In Looking for Longleaf, Lawrence S. Earley explores the history of these forests and the astonishing biodiversity of the longleaf ecosystem, drawing on extensive research and telling the story through first-person travel accounts and interviews with foresters, ecologists, biologists, botanists, and landowners. For centuries, these vast grass-covered forests provided pasture for large cattle herds, in addition to serving as the world’s greatest source of naval stores. They sustained the exploitative turpentine and lumber industries until nearly all of the virgin longleaf had vanished. Looking for Longleaf demonstrates how, in the twentieth century, forest managers and ecologists struggled to understand the special demands of longleaf and to halt its overall decline. The compelling story Earley tells here offers hope that with continued human commitment, the longleaf pine might not just survive, but once again thrive. "Richly detailed, impeccably researched and at times controversial: this merits a place alongside Bartram in the library devoted to the South." "Kirkus Reviews", starred review "Easy to digest for a non-technical reader. . . . Remarkably complete." -- "Natural Areas Journal" "A history of the southeast, an informative natural history, and a paean to a beautiful tree." -- "Southeastern Naturalist" "A welcomed addition on an important topic. . . . Should be required reading for anyone interested in the history of conservation in the South." -- "Georgia Historical Quarterly" "A fine, informative read for anyone interested in acquiring a general understanding of this interesting forest ecosystem." "Choice" "Lawrence Earley's "Looking for Longleaf" is such an engaging book that I read it straight through from prologue to epilogue." Dave Egan, "Ecological Restoration" "The decline of the longleaf pine is a complex story, well and thoroughly told by Earley." "Wilson Quarterly" "This is the definitive book on longleaf pine. For people curious about biology and history, it is fascinating." "WoodenBoat" “Earley tells this story in a way any reader can follow and enjoy. . . . Looking for Longleaf is full of such interesting insights into the human culture as well as the silviculture of our Southeast region. It is well illustrated with historic photographs. Anyone interested in the history of our natural surroundings will find it well worth reading.” — The Roanoke Times An untold chapter in the environmental history of the South Longleaf pine once flourished across the South in park-like forests of astonishing beauty and diversity--the most extensive forest ecosystem in North America. Much of the region's history is connected to these trees, which were exploited for agriculture, pasturage, timber, and naval stores. Today longleaf pine forests are recognized as one of the world's most endangered ecosystems. This book blends human and natural history to reveal the compelling story of these magnificent trees and also addresses current conservation and restoration efforts. Longleaf pine once flourished across the South in park-like forests of astonishing beauty and diversity--the most extensive forest ecosystem in North America. Much of the region's history is connected to these trees, which were exploited for agriculture, pasturage, timber, and naval stores. Today longleaf pine forests are recognized as one of the world's most endangered ecosystems. This book blends human and natural history to reveal the compelling story of these magnificent trees and also addresses current conservation and restoration efforts. Lawrence S. Earley, former editor of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine, is a writer and photographer living in Raleigh, North Carolina. Looking for Longleaf The Fall and Rise of an American Forest By Lawrence S. Earley University of North Carolina Press Copyright © 2006 Lawrence S. Earley All right reserved. ISBN: 9780807856994 Chapter One What Bartram Saw A magnificent grove of stately pines, succeeding to the expansive wild plains we had a long time traversed, had a pleasant effect, rousing the faculties of the mind, awakening the imagination by its sublimity, and arresting every active, inquisitive idea, by the variety of the scenery. -William Bartram, Travels (1791) A longleaf pine forest on a bright day is a light and sound show. There's the verdant ground cover, mostly grasses that sway to each hint of breeze. The forest is open with widely scattered trees, and the early morning sun casts angled