By Brandt Mannchen
The long delayed Big Thicket National Preserve (BTNP) Longleaf Pine tree planting event, re-scheduled due to the federal government shutdown, finally occurred on February 8th, in the Turkey Creek Unit next to the visitor center and head-quarter’s offices. The National Park Service (NPS) and National Parks and Conservation Association deserve a big thank you for persisting and getting the job done.
It was a very cold day, with temperatures in the upper 30’s at the beginning, which peaked in the upper 40’s when the day was complete. Turnout, due to the delay from the January 21st original date, was probably about one-third of usual, but those that showed-up did a fantastic job. As the saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough bet going!”
I arrived at 8:30 am, about an hour before the event was to take place. After putting on five layers of clothing, I took the short walk to the tree planting site, said hello to everyone, and began using the dibble bar to make holes so I could plant Longleaf Pine seedlings in the wet, muddy, area where brush had been cut to prepare for planting. We used carry bags with about 50 seedlings in each one. After I planted the first bag of seelings, I stopped and said hello to Adrien Van Dellen, Maxine Johnston, and others.
My buddy, David Boyd arrived, and we then worked as a team, trading off dibbling and planting seedlings. We stopped for lunch and said hello to other Sierrans like Regina Levoy, Lesly Van Dame, Katrina Zick, and Carol Demuth. What a great group. The pizza, hot chocolate, and other snacks tasted great.
At the day’s end, David and I had planted 9 bags, 450 Longleaf Pine seedlings. I was fatigued, my back was sore, and I was a wee bit tired. But I felt good. We had helped the NPS begin a Longleaf Pine Savannah Wetland; we had a good time; and we had enjoyed the camaraderie that service outings always exemplify and provide with our fellow forest lovers.
I will be back next year and I hope it’s a little warmer. Come join us and return refreshed and optimistic. See you then and there!!!!
Brandt Mannchen
February 9, 2019