Georgia Forests
Beautiful, lush, and underrated
Georgia is home to a wide variety of forests, from the long-leaf pine forests in the south to the hardwood forests in the north.
These forests are important for many reasons. They provide homes for wildlife, they protect water supplies, and they help regulate the climate. They also offer recreational opportunities for people who enjoy hiking, camping, birdwatching, and hunting.
Georgia’s forests are managed by a variety of organizations, including the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Forest Service, and private landowners. These organizations work together to ensure that Georgia’s forests are healthy and productive.
I recently (within this month of May) visited my friend who lives in the forest of North Georgia. Coming from Ontario, I was surprised at how similar the environment looked to what I was used to in Ontario and Ohio. More specifically, it resembled Ontario forests in the middle of summer, after a period of significant rainfall. The ground and trees there are lush and green, the temperature warm and slightly humid. At times, the only thing that reminded me I was no longer up north were the larger set of creatures that lurked among the lush greenery. Bright green lizards, big snakes and beetles, even armadillos. These are just a few of the diverse set of wildlife down in the southern United States.
If you’re interested in learning more about Georgia’s forests, or in getting involved in their management, there are many resources available. The Georgia Forestry Commission is a good place to start. They have information on all aspects of forestry, from fire management to tree planting. The U.S. Forest Service also has a website with information on Georgia’s national forests. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources website has information on all of the state’s natural resources, including forests.
Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting the forests of Georgia? Let me know in the comments!
