Two Pines Maritime Forest Project

Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.

Understanding the benefits and dynamics of this island’s ever changing and fragile environment will hopefully aid in conserving and restoring this unique place for all to enjoy far into the future.

Each part of this ecosystem is vital for the protection of the island from land loss, wind shear, temperature fluctuation, and flooding.

Impact of Maritime Forests

For Property Owners:

• Reduce hurricane wind force when trees are clustered
• Lessen storm water runoff via evapotranspiration and absorption
• Reduce energy consumption as windbreak and shade
• Provide privacy buffer and screen from noise and light
• Enhance air quality by filtering air pollutants

For Community:

• Enhance the island’s unique natural and aesthetic environment and protect property values
• Provide migratory birds essential habitat, which supports local economy by attracting visitors
• Retain topsoil by providing an entwining mat with surrounding trees and plants
• Provide dense canopy for understory plants and help protect the island from extreme temperature fluctuations
• Provide opportunity for pollinators, like butterflies, to thrive
• Offer a unique experience to visit one of the rarest forest environments in the USA

What Can We Do?

• Educate yourself, family, and friends about these rare and fragile island ecosystems
• Follow building codes to preserve groups of trees and undergrowth on properties
• Retain native trees, vines, undergrowth, and other vegetation as much as possible during new construction
• Reduce areas of planted nonnative grasses and trees on existing properties
• Plant native grasses, trees, shrubs, and wildflowers
• Conserve wetland areas by avoiding filling swamps and marshes
• Remove invasive species, such as the tallow (popcorn) tree, air potato vine, and cogon grass
• Support Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries!