181 Tech Meets Ecology Digital Twin Enhances Longleaf Pine Restoration Longleaf pine ecosystems are important allies in the fight against biodiversity loss. With their efficient use of water and resistance to fire and insects, the US Forest Service has recognized these pines as one of the best climate-adapted species for the Southern US. Furthermore, the ecologically diverse grasslands with these important trees are vital habitats for more than 600 plant and wildlife species, including 29 that are endangered or threatened. Driven by the realization of longleaf pine’s critical role, there has been a concerted effort to restore longleaf pine ecosystems across their original range, stretching from eastern Texas to southern Virginia. Once spanning 90 million acres, these ecosystems have dwindled to about 3 percent of their original size. Operating Farms and Timberlands More Efficiently Juvenile longleaf pine trees look a lot like grass, with their long needles. Longleaf pine ecosystems are often referred to as savannas for their mix of grasslands with mature trees. The grassland is ecologically important because it provides habitat for a wide range of species.
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