The Fairhope Times

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com    Long leaf forest.   Newly planted pines. PROGRESS BEING MADE The long leaf pine forest in the Flying Creek Nature preserve is still recovering from a pine beetle infestation but some progress is being made.  With help from the state forestry service, a central area of the park is being thinned-out; some other trees are being treated with systemic pesticide (marked with metal tags). Many of about 250 pine seedlings planted last spring are growing too, with help from recent rainy weather. Invasive plant species are being managed mostly with controlled burning; there may be another one early next year according to park sources.  Pine beetles have killed numerous other trees around town too, on the bluff and in other city parks. "Treated" tree.