06/08/2026
Pines are one of the most recognizable trees in eastern North Carolina. There are several different species of these beautiful evergreens, but the most common ones you’ll see here are the Loblolly Pine and the Longleaf Pine.
The Loblolly is the most common, growing very quickly, reaching up to 100 feet tall with needles typically 6-9 inches long in bundles of 3. The Longleaf takes longer to mature- 100 to 150 years. They are identifiable by their extremely long needles which can reach up to 18 inches long!
Both are important to our ecosystem, providing warmth, habitat, and shelter from prey for hundreds of species of animals. They form a significant food source for wildlife, especially birds and deer. The Longleaf is part of ongoing conservation efforts aiming to increase their numbers which fell dramatically due to overharvesting for use in shipbuilding and construction during the colonial era.
We invite you to visit the Environmental Education Center at 1330 NC-210, Sneads Ferry, to learn more and to take a walk down our boardwalk where you will observe Loblolly Pines and possibly a few critters who call them home! We hope you’ll also join us at the Onslow County Museum at 301 S. Wilmington Street, Richlands, on Monday, June 15th, for a special presentation of “The Long Leaf Pine: Naval Stores and the Onslow Revolutionary Economy”. Call us at 910.324.5008 for more information.
