In this seminar, we look at the staggering biodiversity of the pine forest floor, which can host up to 40 different plant species in a single square meter. We will discover a world where carnivorous Venus Flytraps and Pitcher Plants hunt insects beneath the towering pines, and where rare orchids bloom in the wake of fire. You will learn how this specific ecosystem supports specialists found nowhere else on Earth, from the Red-cockaded Woodpecker to the Gopher Frog, and why the restoration of the Longleaf Pine is the key to preserving the incredible “hidden” world that lives in its shadow.
Audience Target: All Ages, Parental supervision required for children under 10.
Format: Seminar
Workshop Benefits/Learning Outcomes:
- Trace the Historical Decline and Recovery: Participants will be able to explain how the “Naval Stores” industry (tar, pitch, and turpentine) impacted the NC landscape and identify the key milestones in modern Longleaf restoration efforts.
- Identify the Life Stages of the Longleaf: Attendees will learn to recognize the unique growth phases of Pinus palustris, specifically the grass stage, rocket stage, and mature stage, and understand the biological advantages of each.
- Explain the Role of Pyrodiversity: Participants will be able to describe why frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for this ecosystem, from clearing the midstory to triggering the germination of specialized understory seeds.
- Catalog Understory Biodiversity: Attendees will be able to identify key indicator species of a healthy Longleaf ecosystem, such as Wiregrass, Venus Flytraps, and Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavities, and explain their interdependence.
Fee: $17 for non-members, $5 for members
Presenter: Chad Shelby has been studying Horticulture since 2018. He has a passion for education and loves to bring excitement and passion to the classroom. He has been the project manager for several pro bono projects, specifically for non-profits organizations. Chad has spent the past six months developing new and exciting Horticulture Education programs for CFBG and is excited to share them with the public.
Registration: Pre-registration encouraged, in-person ticket sales end when the garden closes. https://shop.capefearbg.org/SelectEvent.aspx?eventID=1000150
