NALT Protects 254 Acres of Exceptional Longleaf Pine Savanna in South Georgia
North American Land Trust (NALT) is excited to announce the permanent protection of 254 acres of extraordinary longleaf pine savanna habitat in South Georgia. Located in the town of Folkston—purportedly the site of the first Seminole War attack in 1817—this remarkable landscape holds both ecological and historical significance.
The newly protected property contains multiple rare and exceptional habitat types, including Long Leaf Pine Woodland and Wet Pine Savanna. According to Georgia Department of Natural Resources, these two habitats contain the highest number of Species of Greatest Conservation Need for the Southeastern Plains ecoregion, and both are globally ranked as rare habitats. In particular, the wet pine savanna habitats are recognized as highly diverse, and imperiled subset of the Longleaf/Wiregrass ecosystem. Purple bluestem strongly dominates the grass layer, with many other wetland species observed, including bogmosses, sundew, beaksedges, St. John’s worts, various asters, and yellow-eyed grasses. The tract also includes unique seepage areas and freshwater habitats, including the notable Rich Lake—all now safeguarded in perpetuity by a conservation easement.
NALT extends its sincere thanks to the family whose generosity and vision made this conservation success possible. We look forward to continuing this partnership to preserve additional lands in the region. NALT’s conservation footprint in Georgia surpasses 30,000 protected acres, and this addition continues our ongoing commitment to the state’s natural heritage.
Authored by Patty Kennedy, NALT Southeast Program Director
