Pitch Pines

© Don Klotzbeacher

One fascinating characteristic of the East Coast of the United States is how often one encounters sandy soil.  Undoubtedly, these sandy soils were remnants left behind from the ebb and flow along ancient shorelines.  Unique species of flora have evolved that survive within this fragile ecosystem.  I am thinking, in particular, of these pines trees that predominate in southeastern New Jersey.  The forest, known collectively as The Pine Barrens, consist mainly of pitch pines, plus various types of oak and cedar trees.  Blueberries and holly are also native to this region.

As I travel along country roads in New Jersey, I like to catch a glimpse of exactly when I start seeing pitch pines.  In the photo above, these pitch pines were just east of Jamesburg which is actually situated in Central New Jersey.  Nowadays, these lovely trees, that lie outside of protected areas, are succumbing to the bulldozer, making way for various types of housing.

Calumet 4×5″ view camera
Kodak Tri-X film