Anderson Creek County Park Longleaf Pine Forest Restoration Announcement
Anderson Creek County Park Longleaf Pine Forest Restoration Announcement
Anderson Creek County Park (1491 Nursery Rd., Lillington, NC 27546) is a passive recreation area encompassing more than 400 acres of longleaf pine forest. Much of this forest was planted in the early 2000s following a timber harvest on the property.
Since Harnett County acquired the land, the County’s vision has been to develop a nature-focused park where residents can enjoy hiking, equestrian trails, biking, and other outdoor activities. A major part of fulfilling this vision includes restoring the longleaf pine ecosystem.
For the past eleven years, County staff—working closely with the NC Forest Service—have managed these woodlands through prescribed burns and firebreak maintenance. The forest has now reached the stage where selective thinning is needed. Thinning is an essential step in longleaf pine restoration, supporting both ecological health and public safety.
Why Thinning Matters
• Habitat Restoration & Wildlife:
Selective thinning opens the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor. This encourages the growth of native grasses and understory plants that support a wide variety of wildlife, including quail, turkey, deer, fox squirrels, and many songbird species. Longleaf pine ecosystems are also home to diverse native plants, pollinators, and several rare species found only in this unique habitat.
• Wildfire Resilience:
Removing overcrowded trees reduces excess fuel, making the forest more resilient to wildfires. Thinning is often paired with prescribed burning to maintain healthy, fire-adapted longleaf pine conditions.
The resulting landscape—open, grassy, and rich in biodiversity—creates an inviting and scenic environment for park visitors to explore and enjoy.
Visitor Impact During Restoration
During the thinning process, some areas and trails at Anderson Creek County Park may be temporarily closed to ensure visitor safety. Harnett County Parks and Recreation will provide regular updates on restoration activities through the department website and social media channels.
