Georgia’s longleaf pine forests are home to many endangered species, including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker. This resilient and unusual little bird is making a comeback from the brink of extinction thanks to an unexpected partner and recovery efforts set in motion by the Endangered Species Act. But complicated rule changes and bureaucracy have put the protected status, and in turn the birds themselves, in jeopardy. This story comes to us from Producer Claire Reynolds.

Learn about the Fort Benning Military Installation on Audubon.org
Check out the Red-cockaded Woodpecker on All About Birds
See what USFWS says about Red-cockaded Woodpecker recovery
Read "Longleaf Pine Forests: A Southern Treasure" on Nature.org
Learn about Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pines)

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Host & Senior Producer: Ari Daniel
Producer: Claire Reynolds
Editor: Caitlin Pierce, Rough Cut Collective
Audio mix: Rob Byers, Johnny Vince Evans, and Michael Raphael, Final Final V2
Theme song and original music: Ian Coss
Additional music: Blue Dot Sessions
Content Director: Allison Wilson
Audio and Video Editor: Sam Johnson
Fact-checker and Digital Producer: Conor Gearin
Artwork: Clint McMillen at Braincloud Design