PROJECT REPORT
TEXAS 2023 TORNADO RESTORATION, BINGHAM LONGLEAF REFORESTATION
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT Dear friend, Thanks to your support, a total of 99,300 trees were planted to restore 106 hectares of land in Texas. Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive. None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you! What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Texas. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.
OVERVIEW The objective of the Texas 2023 - Tornado Restoration and Bingham Longleaf Reforestation project was to restore over 200 acres of public lands impacted by a tornado. The planted trees will increase forest health, maintain biodiversity, and restore the Red-cockaded woodpecker (RCW) habitat, a Federally Threatened and Endangered Species (TES). By reforesting these public areas with native long and shortleaf pine species, this project strives to restore the land’s native structure and improve ecological functioning for the benefit of wildlife and the local community.
TREES PLANTED 99,300
TREE SPECIES PLANTED 2
THREATENED SPECIES BENEFITED 1
HECTARES REFORESTED 106 ACRES REFORESTED 262
TREE SPECIES PLANTED The choice of longleaf pine for restoration within the 2019 tornado path was informed by its historical significance and ecological benefits. Longleaf pine forests once covered vast expanses of the southeastern United States, renowned for their rich biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, due to extensive logging and land conversion, these forests have dwindled to a fraction of their former extent. In turn, this has led to the decline of associated species and ecological processes that depend on such ecosystems. By reintroducing longleaf pine, this restoration project aims to revive an iconic ecosystem, promoting the recovery of native flora and fauna while enhancing landscape resilience to environmental disturbances. Furthermore, longleaf pine forests are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, making them a great choice for sustainable reforestation efforts. Likewise, the selection of shortleaf pine was based on ecological suitability and landscape dynamics. In areas where pine regeneration is not naturally occurring or where the conditions favor shortleaf pine over other species (due, for example, to soil type or moisture levels), planting shortleaf pine helps to expedite the restoration process and promote species diversity. By strategically planting shortleaf pine in these areas, the project maximizes the likelihood of successful reforestation while also ensuring the long-term resilience and adaptability of the entire ecosystem.
SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata)
LONGLEAF PINE IDENTIFICATION & USE
There are nearly 200 pine species worldwide, with three species being native to Texas. One of those three is Longleaf Pine, otherwise known as Pinus Palustris, an evergreen conifer tree native to the southern United States and ranging from Virginia, west to Texas, and south to Florida. Longleaf pine is a medium-large tree that grows from 80 to 100 feet in height and gets its name from its long, feathery green needles that reach up to 18in long — the longest leaves of any eastern pine species! Longleaf bark is orange-brown and scaly, with branches that form an oval crown at the top of the tree. With a life span of up to 300 years, this threatened species has only a few oldgrowth stands of its kind left, scattered through the southeastern United States. And while the species isn’t endangered, many other endangered plant and animal species live and depend on longleaf pine ecosystems. In fact, longleaf pine serve as a home to more than 30 endangered and threatened animal species, including red-cockaded woodpeckers and indigo snakes. They provide food and winter cover for other wildlife. For that reason, longleaf pine communities are ranked as threatened. As an added benefit, longleaf pine are exceptional at withstanding fire. Not only is the species fire resistant, but controlled fires are actually used to clear the forest floor of leaf litter in order to allow longleaf pine seeds the opportunity to come into contact with the soil and germinate. Forest fires that clear debris are therefore good for the tree’s growth, as the seeds would otherwise not reach the bottom of the forest floor.
SHORTLEAF PINE IDENTIFICATION & USE Shortleaf Pine, also known as Pinus echinata, is a large, evergreen conifer tree species with a long, clear trunk and broad, open crown. It produces bluish-green needles that grow in bundles of 2-3, are 3-5 inches long, and are flexible to the touch. Shortleaf pine’s platy bark boasts one of its most distinctive features: small resin pockets detailing the trunk of the tree. Similarly, shortleaf pine is distinguished from other pines by its distinctive double crook formed at or just below the forest floor. Because of its wide distribution, shortleaf pine provides high habitat value for many wildlife species. Though it still plays a critical role for wildlife, shortleaf pine ecosystems have diminished drastically over time, with the most significant cause of degradation being lack of fire. Fire plays a critical role in perpetuating shortleaf pine ecosystems; without it, the extent, composition and condition of shortleaf pine dominated forests have all but diminished. In order to regenerate shortleaf ecosystems moving forward, fire will be a necessary component. After all, along with longleaf pine and ponderosa pine, shortleaf is one of the three greatest frequent fire pine ecosystems in North America.
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PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT
ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS Regenerating this location will play a crucial role in watershed restoration efforts, ensuring the continued availability of clean water for both human consumption and ecological health. The planting areas, previously dominated by loblolly pine, underwent a recent regeneration cut and site preparation to accommodate the planting of longleaf and shortleaf pine seedlings. By replanting with these pine species, the project aims to restore the site to its historic Longleaf ecosystem, renowned for its resilience and biodiversity. Moreover, this restoration effort will provide essential habitat for the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW), contributing to regional conservation goals and fostering the recovery of an iconic species.
COMMUNITY
BENEFITS
The impact of this reforestation project on public lands, managed under a multipleuse framework, promises multifaceted benefits to the local community. Firstly, the restoration of this land contributes to the preservation of essential ecosystem services, safeguarding water quality, soil stability, and wildlife habitat. By replenishing tree cover, this reforestation effort enhances carbon sequestration, mitigating the impacts of climate change while also offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The rejuvenated forests provide spaces for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, fostering a deeper connection between people and nature. What’s more, the project supports the local economy by sustaining industries reliant on forest resources, such as timber production and outdoor recreation, thereby promoting long-term ecological and economic resilience. The presence of healthy forests not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the region, but also boosts property values and tourism revenue, bolstering the overall quality of life for residents. Moreover, by enhancing soil fertility and regulating water flow, the planted trees contribute to agricultural productivity and flood prevention efforts, in turn fostering greater community resilience in the face of environmental challenges. In essence, the restoration of these public spaces enriches the social, economic, and ecological fabric of the local community.
U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:
WHAT ARE SDGS? Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate) our impact on the planet. Trees are one such solution. From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting trees can address all 17 sustainable development goals.
“This project is a perfect example of how reforestation can kickstart natural regeneration following a natural disaster and bring a wealth of ecological and social benefits along with it. Between reduced erosion, restored habitat of vulnerable species, improved air quality, and a variety of new recreational benefits, both the local community and wildlife will gain through safeguarded welfare for years to come.”
Meghan Danny
Global Projects Support Specialist
Brittney Burke
Director of Projects North America