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This lecture explores the multifaceted importance of Pinus palustris — the longleaf pine — in the landscape and legacy of Georgetown County, South Carolina, — one of the few remaining strongholds of this once-dominant southeastern ecosystem. Once spanning over 90 million acres, the longleaf pine-woodland ecosystems now occupy a fraction of the historic range due to logging, agriculture, and development. This talk will focus on longleaf pine’s critical ecological roles, its resilience in fire-adapted systems, and its profound influence on regional biodiversity and land-use history.
Attendees will learn the historical extent of longleaf pine ecosystems, the unique mosaic of habitat types, the species these woodlands support (such as the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker), and the cultural connections that have persisted through centuries of change. Maureen will highlight current restoration efforts, including the strategic use of prescribed fire and community engagement in conservation, illustrating how this iconic species remains a keystone for both ecological health and environmental identity in the southeastern U.S.
This discussion invites attendees to consider how landscape-level processes, species interactions, and human stewardship shape our understanding of place — and what’s at stake when such systems are lost, misunderstood, or forgotten.
About the Speaker:
Since 2016, Maureen Mulligan has been a resident of Pawleys Island, South Carolina known for contributions to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and botanical research. She co-authored the book "Flowering Plants of Hobcaw Barony," a field guide featuring over 200 flowering species found on Hobcaw Barony near Georgetown, SC. This publication resulted from her collaboration with Dr. William Conner of Clemson University's Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science. Mulligan holds a bachelor's degree in botany from the University of South Florida and a master's in conservation ecology from the University of Georgia.
In addition to her botanical endeavors, Mulligan serves as the Environmental Services Division's environmentalist for Georgetown County. In this capacity, she leads initiatives aimed at reducing roadside litter, increasing circularity in solid waste management, and enhancing environmental awareness throughout the county. Her efforts include organizing community cleanups, landfill tours, and educational programs that promote sustainable practices.
Mulligan's dedication to environmental stewardship extends to her personal life, where she actively participates in local conservation projects and collaborates with community members to preserve the natural beauty of the Pawleys Island area.