Meet Red Pine

You've probably spotted these trees standing tall in those perfectly straight rows in Northern states. Turns out, they're lined up like that because of a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

Back in the 1930s and '40s, the CCC was all about making things better, including replanting the red pine forests. These trees were in trouble due to logging and fires in the early 1900s. But thanks to the CCC, these folks rolled up their sleeves, grew red pine seedlings in nurseries, and planted them in those neat rows across the forests. They didn't just stop at planting trees, though—they built fire towers, roads, and other stuff to help the trees grow nice and strong.

These Red Pines aren't just there for looks—they're a crucial hangout for wildlife. Deer, elk, and grouse munch on their needles, twigs, and cones. Even porcupines and beavers chow down on the bark! Plus, birds like the Pine Grosbeak and Pine Siskin love to make their nests in these trees. The dense leaves provide cover from bad weather and predators, while their strong roots help keep the ground from washing away.

Spotting these trees isn't too tough—check for that reddish, scaly bark and those long needles. Oh, and here's a tip: red pines have only two needles in each bundle, unlike their cousins, the white pines, which have five. If you see one Red Pine, keep an eye out—you'll probably find more lined up in a row, all thanks to the hard work of the CCC nearly a century ago.