What Trees Did CCC Boys Plant Most Of

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a work relief program that operated during the Great Depression in the United States. One of the primary tasks of the program was to plant trees to prevent soil erosion and maintain natural resources. Over the nine years of the program’s existence, over three billion trees were planted, covering approximately 3% of the country’s land area. But what types of trees did the CCC boys plant the most of?

Pine Trees

The most common tree species planted by the CCC were pine trees. Pine trees were chosen for planting because of their ability to grow quickly and their adaptability to various types of soil and climate conditions. The CCC boys planted several types of pine trees, including white pine, loblolly pine, longleaf pine, and ponderosa pine. The pine trees planted by the CCC helped provide timber and also played a vital role in restoring forests destroyed by wildfire and overgrazing.

Spruce Trees

Another type of tree that CCC boys planted extensively was spruce trees. Spruce trees were planted in northern regions of the country, where they helped to combat soil erosion and provided windbreaks. They were also used for timber and pulpwood production. Two common types of spruce trees planted by the CCC were the Norway spruce and the white spruce.

Oak Trees

Oak trees were also planted by CCC boys, but not as frequently as pine and spruce trees. Oak trees provided a range of benefits, including habitat for wildlife, as well as lumber and firewood. The CCC planted several types of oak trees, including white oak, red oak, and bur oak.

Conclusion

The CCC boys played a crucial role in reforestation efforts during the Great Depression. Their work in planting trees helped to restore forests, combat soil erosion, and ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources. Pine trees were the most common species planted by the CCC, followed by spruce and oak trees. Today, many of the forests that were restored by the CCC boys are thriving and are enjoyed by millions of Americans each year as parks and recreation areas.