Longleaf pine is becoming the tree of choice for restoration efforts in the South. After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, researchers discovered the longleaf pine withstood damage better than other pines. It may be that this particular species of pine withstands climate change better than other trees.

National Wildlife Federation has begun a program to replant longleaf pine across the South. According to Denise Farley, “A major component of the program is targeted toward underserved and minority landowners and African American landowners” (see “The Importance of Longleaf Pine Restoration,” December 2009).