Dauphin Island, Alabama
February 3, 2023
This tree is the magnificent Slash Pine Tree. It is a long needled pine that thrives here on the coast of Alabama. This tree is a protector of the land and water and air. That is why I call this tree magnificent. It is also so beautiful with its red plated bark and the sunshine catching on its needles and lighting up the sky.
The Slash pine’s shallow roots grow together and help hold the land in place during all the storms. Their roots clean the water that flows to this part of the country. The needles clean our air and the trees provide much needed shade for the health of our waters, land, and people.
I was fortunate to make my way to the sea lab on Dauphin Island. I met Lori who works there and she told me about the Audubon trail markers that describe the Slash Pine and the Longleaf Pine. I found that marker and the photos are included here.
Lori is on the board of the Dauphin Island Foundation. This foundation promotes community services and environmental conservation. They are working on a tree project that will educate people about the ecosystem of the maritime forest on the island.
Each part of the ecosystem is vital for the protection of the island. Protection from land loss, wind shear, temperature fluctuations, and flooding.
Lori is now my tree sister. She inspires me to find more tree sisters and brothers along my path of life. Thank you Lori, for speaking for the trees, for caring, and sharing!
Speaking for the trees,
Becky
“ Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” The Lorax
