Heartwood Texas Master Naturalists (TMN) partner up with William Goodrich Jones State Forest and other organizations to help the endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker (RCW) and its habitat. The RCW only nest in mature pine forests, which is mostly harvested for timber, and Jones State Forest is prime protected habitat.
Every year Biologist Donna Work, along with volunteers, band baby woodpeckers for monitoring. In 2014, the implantation of two nesting pairs of RCWs from Louisiana was implemented. Ten artificial nesting cavities were inserted into suitable pines in the hopes that these two nesting pairs would make a permanent home at Jones State Forest. Many volunteers, including TMNs from the Heartwood Chapter, cleared underbrush from the select pine trees. Heartwood Master Naturalists offer walking and conservation education tours and also help with fundraising efforts to support Texas A&M Forest Service’s mission to maintain a healthy habitat for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
To learn more about Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, conservation education classes and lectures, email or contact Urban District Forester John R. Warner at the Texas A&M Forest Service office, W.G. Jones State Forest, 1328 FM 1488, Conroe, Texas 77384.
Videos
A video of conservation efforts for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker.
An introductory video on Red-cockaded Woodpeckers.
Other Resources
The Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker and Modern Forestry In Texas: Living In Harmony