Mountain Longleaf

The Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge has been working to preserve the local flora and fauna ecosystem since their establishment in 2003. The Longleaf Pine is the Alabama State Tree and therefore has a rich historical impact in the ecosystem of the area, much like the Refuge. Historically, the Longleaf Pine provided resources for the grazers and settlers in Alabama. Due to several invasive human actions, the local Mountain Longleaf Pine Forest now occupies a fraction of the vast land it use to. However, the Refuge has been able to work to conserve the remaining forest and wildlife over the last fifteen years. So where exactly are these forest? The Refuge occupies approximately 9,000 acres of what was once Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Just look towards the east as you go over the Highway 431 Bypass, those beautiful hills in the distance covered in longleaf pines are preserved through the efforts of the Wildlife Refuge.

Under the management of Fish & Wildlife’s Sarah Clardy, they are able to do this through partnerships and prescribed burnings, which are essential to the growth of the longleaf species.
This area offers itself to visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors. They have several options for day hikes and trails with panoramic views of the area. They encourage wildlife viewing, bird watching, education of the nature around us, and even have options for hunting and fishing. Access can be found through Bain’s Gap Road for people to enter into the refuge and become encompassed in the nature and wildlife the Refuge has worked hard to preserve.

By: Rebecca Hearn
Student Jacksonville High School