08/01/2026
Choccolocco State Forest, nestled in the foothills of Northeast Alabama, draws outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds—hunters, mountain bikers, campers, and other nature lovers. The 4,406-acre forest is managed for lush habitat, controlled timber harvesting, and watershed protection.
But as the environment continues to change, so do the natural stressors affecting the health of the trees. Think severe weather and insect outbreaks. Its popular loblolly pine stands have been taking a hit for years due to a pine beetle infestation. What remained were dead or dying trees, fewer places for local wildlife to call home, and swaths of exposed soil left to erode.
To help bring back the vitality of the beloved forest, beetle-resistant loblolly seedlings were planted in 2021. We're talking 53,000 of them. As the trees continue to mature, they're re-establishing habitat, protecting the watershed, and strengthening the bond between the forest and those who visit.
Restoring forests is more than planting trees. It's about the people who find something worth coming back for.