An island pine tree. PHOTO PROVIDED

Florida hosts seven species of native pine trees. You can identify pines by following this simple tip: If the name starts with an “S” the needles are grouped in twos. Pines beginning with “L” have needles grouped in threes. Slash pines, beginning with “SL,” have an even distribution of needles in two and threes.

Slash and long leaf pines are a staple of southern landscapes, but Pine Island has endured a dismal loss of these trees, initially due to logging in the early 20th century and more recently caused by severe weather patterns. Weakened and stressed trees become susceptible to pine beetles, which lay their eggs under the bark and lead to the trees’ deaths. These insects rapidly spread from tree to tree and devastation can be swift. The loss of these trees disrupts the native habitat with particularly adverse effects on its gopher tortoises, red-cockaded woodpeckers and reptiles. Take a casual drive today along Stringfellow Road and visualize the acres on acres of dead tree trunks.

However, there is good news. If new unstressed seedlings are planted in these areas, they will be resilient and flourish. The Calusa Land Trust, Pine Island’s all volunteer land conservancy, has ordered 250 slash and long leaf seedlings to help restore the island’s namesakes. The first batch of these seedlings will arrive this month and the Pine Island Garden Club has offered to care for these “babies” until the start of the rainy season allows successful plantings.

You too can be a part of the solution. Help re-pine Pine Island. At the Beacon of Hope’s Holiday House festivities on Dec. 6-8 at the Tarpon Lodge, some of these seedlings will be available for your purchase. The cost is $10 each or become a CLT member for $25 and the tree is included. These baby trees can serve as holiday gifts for your loved ones and for our beloved Pine Island.

For additional information, please contact John Kendall at john@calusalandtrust.org.