Longleaf-Leader-Winter-2021.qxp_Layout 1 12/7/20 7:00 PM Page 17
LLA teams implemented mechanical treatments in 18 wetlands this past year. AMBBIS Seasonal Team members pictured are Sean Moyer, Julianna O’Bar, Ronald Henderson, and Abraham Huang. Photo by Charlie Abeles.
2020 A Year of Progress Amidst Challenges While this past year was nothing like any of us anticipated, The Longleaf Alliance still made significant strides toward our mission to ensure the sustainable future of longleaf pine ecosystems. We adapted to new protocols, continued field work safely, and shifted to virtual delivery when able. From gopher tortoises to prescribed fire, our programs continue to follow our GUIDE-ing framework. The Alliance's G.U.I.D.E. acronym (Growing - Understanding - Improving - Diverse - Ecosystems) identifies our key strategic longleaf objectives.
Burner Bob® and his friends at Georgia Department of Natural Resources received the 2nd place National Education Award from the Association for Conservation Information during this year’s Virtual Livestream Award Presentation. We are also sharing longleaf outreach activities, books, and resources online, via partner e-newsletters, and in The Longleaf Leader. This year, the magazine’s “In the Grass Stage” section is highlighting outreach ideas to inspire our readers’ inner educator. We are partnering with the Alabama Project Learning Tree to share longleaf content in their four quarterly newsletters, including a new extension activity called “Slice of the Longleaf Pie” to demonstrate the decline of longleaf pine ecosystems.
GROWING — We raise awareness, increase engagement, and grow a love for longleaf across the range. The Longleaf Alliance (LLA) staff and our prescribed fire ambassador, Burner Bob®, were able to attend the Southeastern Wildlife Expo in Charleston, SC, with more than 48,000 attendees in February. While Burner Bob® missed sharing the benefits of “good fire” at the rest of the year’s scheduled events due to cancellations, his outreach continues through his Facebook page, coloring books for school-aged children, and videos.
UNDERSTANDING — We collect and share technical information about longleaf through science-based education, outreach, and technical assistance through methods best for each audience.
[ 14 ]
