Long Island Central Pine Barrens, Protected natural reserve in Suffolk County, US
Long Island Central Pine Barrens is a protected natural reserve in Suffolk County with vast pitch pine forests, oak woodlands, shallow ponds, and wetland areas. The land contains diverse ecosystems ranging from dry forest floors to marshy lowlands.
The area was protected in 1993 when the New York State Legislature passed the Pine Barrens Protection Act. This law was created to prevent further development and preserve the land's soil and water resources.
The name comes from the pitch pine trees that dominate the landscape and shape how visitors experience the land today. Local communities use the area as an outdoor space for walking and nature observation.
Visitors can walk on trails through various landscapes and observe plants and animals in their natural state. It is wise to come during mild weather, as trails in wet areas can become slippery during heavy rain.
A rare Dwarf Pine Plains ecosystem exists here where pitch pines grow only 3 to 6 feet tall because of acidic soil. This unusual feature defines the character of the reserve and sets it apart from typical forests elsewhere.
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