Up Now: Educational Exhibit
In spring 2024, we explored the natural, cultural, and historical significance of longleaf pine ecosystems with Saving Our Savannas: Stories of the Longleaf Pine, a 6-month series of programs and events. You can find recordings of Saving Our Savannas programs on our YouTube channel.
Now, from late June through December 2024, the new Saving Our Savannas educational exhibit is up in our exhibit hall. This exhibit explores the important role longleaf pines have played in the natural world and in human cultures over time. Panels delve into longleaf pines’ relationship with fire, the rare plants and animals that live in longleaf pine ecosystems, historical and current day Indigenous connections with longleaf pines, the history of African Americans’ relationship to the lumber and turpentine industries, and more.
Alongside the exhibit, you’ll find a wigwam exhibit on loan from the Waccamaw Siouan STEM Studio and a ‘catface’ turpentine tree on loan from Harris Lake County Park.
Traveling Exhibit
Bring the world of longleaf pines to your town or organization! Beginning in September 2024, the Saving Our Savannas traveling exhibit will be available for short-term loans, free of charge. It consists of five double-sided, retractable banner stands for easy installation. Contact Emily Oglesby, communications & exhibits coordinator, at eoglesby@unc.edu to learn more.
Missed a program?
Program Recordings
Recordings of many Saving Our Savannas programs are available on our YouTube channel.
Dig Deeper
Recommended Resources
Want to learn more about longleaf pine savannas? We've compiled a list of books, videos, articles, and more for you to check out.
Saving Our Savannas Sponsors
Advocate Sponsor
The Nature Conservancy
Promoter Sponsors
Southern Conservation Partners
American Indian Center
Community Sponsors
Chuck Roe & Charlotte Jones-Roe
Jackie and Rob Trickel
Triangle Land Conservancy
This program is partially supported by the NC Science Museums Grant Program.
Steering Committee
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Joanna Massey Lelekacs, Director of Learning & Community Engagement, Convener
Mike Kunz, Director of Conservation Programs
Chris Liloia, Curator, Habitat Gardens
David Michaud, Program & Engagement Coordinator
Emily Oglesby, Communications & Exhibits Coordinator
Alan Weakley, Director of Herbarium
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department
Kevin Melvin, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer
NC Museum of History
Earl Ijames, Curator of African American History and Agriculture
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Jerry Reynolds, Head of Outreach
American Indian Center
Marissa Carmi, Associate Director
The Longleaf Alliance
Sarah Crate, Outreach Communications Coordinator
The Nature Conservancy – North Carolina Chapter
Debbie Crane, Communications Director
Triangle Native American Society
Jesalyn Keziah, Executive Director
Venus Flytrap Champions
Julie Moore, Coordinator