Imagine standing quietly in the shaded depth of forest. Towering Longleaf Pines, 150 feet tall with trunks 4 feet thick, and foot-long sage green needles sway gently with the warm breeze over your head.
That would only have been possible over 200 years ago. With this in mind, North Carolina Land Trust is envisioning Brunswick Nature Park as a restoration site for the Longleaf Pine as well as the wildlife that depends on the forests for their natural habitat.
The Longleaf Pine was prolific in the southern region and it characterized the North Carolina Coastal Plain. But early colonists and businessmen discovered that it provided a strong wood which was perfect for expansive construction of buildings, bridges and factories. Its sap was tapped for turpentine, tar and rosin. Tall, straight, durable tree trunks were also used for sail masts for ships. More than 97% of the natural Longleaf Pines have been destroyed and the indigenous wildlife that calls the forests home, threatened.
The North Carolina Land Trust, assisted by The NC Clean Water Management Trust purchased 912 acres of land in Brunswick County from International Paper Company specifically with the intent of protecting the water quality of Town Creek and establishing a restoration site for the Longleaf Pine. Ownership was transferred to Brunswick County in 2005 and Brunswick Nature Park was born.
In August, 6300 Longleaf Pine seedlings were planted on 25 acres at the entrance of the park and logging is continuing in order to facilitate a manageable ecosystem.
Under the conservancy of the land trust, Brunswick Nature Park is developing as a passive recreation area with a kayak and canoe launch, hiking, biking and equestrian trails. It is located in Winnabow, on Hwy 133 almost halfway between Leland and Southport. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.
To find your dream home close to Brunswick Nature Park, please call Cindi Palazzi, (336) 263-2232!