All About the Longleaf Forest

First Friday Returns: MBG’s Longleaf Forest

Join us for the kick off of the return of our First Friday series! Captain of our Longleaf Management Committee, Andrew Saunders, will be here to deliver a spirited Powerpoint presentation about MBG’s largest collection, the Longleaf Treasure Forest, including its natural history and its restoration promise. He will also share information about a planned growing-season burn happening here soon.

The Longleaf Forest once extended along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains from Virginia through East Texas over greater than 90 million acres and was the dominant ecosystem in the Southeast. By the mid-20th century, it covered less than 3 million acres. Today, with numerous restoration efforts underway, Longleaf covers over 5 million acres.

The Longleaf Forest is an ecological restoration success story! And MBG is proud to be a part of restoring this living ecosystem, one of the most diverse on Earth. So why would we burn this treasured forest, you ask? Join us for August’s First Friday Presentation to find out exactly why prescribed fire is for the good of the Longleaf Forest!

When: Friday, August 2, 2024 10:00am
Where: Mobile Botanical Gardens
Cost: Free for MBG members or with admission, though registration is required. Email shabel@mbgardens.org or call 251-342-0555 to register.

After this engaging First Friday Presentation, enjoy a delicious lunch ($15.00), catered by Georgia Roussous. On the menu this week is baked penne, steamed broccoli, a side caesar salad, roll and butter, sweet or unsweet tea and a chocolate trifle for dessert. Lunches are available via pre-order only. Order your lunch now