National Forest Foundation Conservation Campaign Sites

Longleaf Pine Restoration

Ocala National Forest, Florida

Longleaf Pine Forest

North of Orlando between the Ocklawaha and St. Johns rivers, the 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest is the southernmost forest in the continental United States and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Oases of fertile soils and moisture support growth of longleaf pine, wiregrass, turkey oak and other trees and plants not found in the surrounding arid scrub. A renowned outdoor destination, the Ocala is the “backyard” for the 8 million residents of Tampa, Orlando and Daytona. Each year, over 3 million people spend time in the forest fishing, camping, hiking and boating.

Harboring more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, the Ocala is also an important source of fresh water for wildlife and surrounding communities and is home to some of the most pristine aquifer springs in the nation. The forest’s porous sands and largely undeveloped character provide an important recharge for the Floridan aquifer.

The Ocala’s diverse ecosystems provide habitat for many endangered species including bald eagles, Florida panthers and Florida’s dwindling bear population. Each year a variety of birds flock to the Ocala for winter nesting. Occurring only in Florida and rich in endemic and rare species like the endangered Florida scrub-jay, the big scrub ecosystem is considered globally imperiled. The Ocala is home to the largest tract of scrub remaining in the world, but this important ecosystem has been severely damaged due to decades of unmanaged motor vehicle use and the loss of habitat due to agricultural and urban uses.

The NFF and partners are working to increase habitat available for scrub-jays and other important species by creating forest openings, using prescribed fire treatments and removing invasive plant species. In addition to pine scrub habitat restoration, work will also include the restoration of the once wide-spread longleaf pine ecosystem. The revitalization of these habitats, along with the enhancement of key trails and recreation sites and the improvement of springs, fisheries and other aquatic habitats will ensure that future generations can enjoy the diverse and ecologically important wonders that the Ocala has to offer.

See our complete campaign description