The Natural Resource Section is the primary steward of Alabama State Parks, dedicated to protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing our state’s diverse ecosystems. By blending science-based stewardship with regulatory oversight, we ensure these landscapes remain preserved for public enjoyment and future generations.
Key Areas of Impact:
- Ecological Stewardship: We lead conservation efforts through prescribed fire management, reforestation, and invasive species control.
- Wildlife & Habitat Protection: Our team monitors native species, protects sensitive features like gopher tortoise burrows, and manages state-park-owned lakes to maintain water quality and biodiversity.
- Real Property Management: We safeguard the integrity of park lands by maintaining accurate boundary records, managing leases, and supporting strategic land acquisitions.
- Environmental Compliance: We oversee all required permits to ensure park projects comply with strict federal and state regulations, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act.
- Scientific Research & Review: By issuing research permits and evaluating development proposals, we ensure that every action taken within our parks is backed by ecological science.
Reclaiming Alabama's Natural Heritage at Lakepoint State Park
Pardon Our Mess!
Why Does It Look Like This?
If you've visited Lakepoint State Park recently, you've probably noticed something different. Areas that were once green are now brown. Workers might be running equipment, trees have been planted, and parts of the landscape may look unfinished.
That's because you're watching nature make a comeback.
Alabama State Parks is transforming approximately 40 acres of maintained turf grass into a native longleaf pine forest, one of the largest habitat restoration projects ever undertaken at Lakepoint State Park.
Good restoration doesn't happen overnight. Before a healthy forest can grow, the land must first be prepared. Although the landscape may look rough today, every phase of the project is part of creating a healthier, more natural park for wildlife and future generations.
From Turf Grass to Longleaf Forest
For years, this highly visible area near the lodge and marina was maintained as mowed turf grass. While it looked green, it provided very little food, cover, or nesting habitat for native wildlife.
Today, we're giving this landscape a new purpose.
Over the next several years, the area will be transformed into a native longleaf pine ecosystem, a landscape that once covered millions of acres across Alabama and supported an incredible diversity of wildlife.
Unlike mowed grass, a longleaf pine forest is alive with native grasses, colorful wildflowers, birds, butterflies, bees, deer, turkey, quail, and countless other species. It creates healthier soils, cleaner water, stronger wildlife habitat, and a more resilient landscape for future generations.
What We're Doing
- Converting approximately 40 acres of maintained turf grass into a native longleaf pine ecosystem.
- Planting approximately 15,500 native longleaf pine seedlings.
- Restoring native grasses and wildflowers beneath the forest canopy.
- Using prescribed fire to maintain a healthy, naturally functioning ecosystem.
Why Longleaf Pine?
Longleaf pine is one of Alabama's signature tree species. It is naturally adapted to drought, insects, disease, storms, and fire, making it one of the most resilient forests in the Southeast.
With regular prescribed fire, these open forests become rich with native plants that provide food and shelter for wildlife while creating beautiful, park-like landscapes for visitors to enjoy.
More Than Just Trees
This restoration goes beyond planting a forest. Throughout the park, we're also improving habitat in other ways.
Replacing Invasive Trees
Invasive trees such as Bradford pear and Chinese tallowtree are being removed and replaced with native species like oaks. Native trees provide better food, shelter, and nesting habitat for wildlife while restoring the park's natural beauty.
Expanding Pollinator Habitat
We're adding more native flowers and seeds to our pollinator garden to provide season-long habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial wildlife. These gardens also give visitors an opportunity to experience Alabama's native plants up close.
What to Expect
Restoration happens in stages. At first, the area may look brown or unfinished as the turf grass is removed and the site is prepared for planting. This short-term change gives young longleaf pines the space, sunlight, water, and nutrients they need to grow.
Spring/Summer 2026 (April – August): Preparing the Site
The first step in restoring the site is removing the existing Bahia grass and other competing vegetation. Visitors will notice areas of grass turning brown during this time. This is a planned and necessary part of the restoration process. Removing these aggressive grasses reduces competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, giving future longleaf pine seedlings the best opportunity to survive and establish healthy root systems.
Winter 2026–2027 (December – February): Planting the Forest
During the winter dormant season, approximately 10,000 to 15,000 native containerized longleaf pine seedlings will be planted throughout the project area. Planting during the cooler months helps improve seedling survival and allows roots to establish before summer heat and drought conditions.
Spring 2027–2029: Growing Strong Roots
Over the first several years, longleaf pine seedlings will focus most of their energy on developing deep root systems. This stage is known as the “grass stage,” where seedlings remain low to the ground and resemble clumps of grass rather than young trees. Although above ground growth appears slow, strong root development during this phase is critical for long-term survival, drought tolerance, and resistance to fire.
The restoration area will continue to be monitored by park staff for seedling survival, invasive species, and overall ecosystem health. Additional native understory species may also be introduced as the habitat develops.
2030 and Beyond: A Forest Takes Shape
As the root systems become established, the longleaf pines will begin their rapid upward growth phase and gradually transition into a developing pine woodland ecosystem. Over time, the site will support a more diverse native plant community and improved habitat for birds, pollinators, reptiles, and other wildlife species associated with longleaf pine ecosystems.
To maintain a healthy longleaf pine habitat, the area will be managed using prescribed fire. Prescribed burning is a critical management tool that helps control invasive species, reduce excessive vegetation buildup, recycle nutrients back into the soil, and encourage the growth of native grasses and wildflowers that wildlife depends on. Longleaf pine ecosystems evolved with regular fire, and periodic prescribed burns are necessary to keep the habitat healthy and functioning properly.
Come Back and Watch It Grow
Every great forest begins with a single step.
What looks like a construction site today will become one of Lakepoint State Park's most valuable natural areas. As the years pass, this landscape will continue to grow, change, and provide habitat for wildlife while offering visitors a chance to experience one of Alabama's most iconic native ecosystems.
We invite you to come back often and watch the transformation.
