Hooheh Program Overview

The purpose of this program is to restore and promote cultural connections of the Waccamaw Siouan people to Hooheh  (longleaf pine) and Yau (fire) and to restore and enhance longleaf pine forests in the community. This multi-faceted  program will require Community Engagement, planning, and ability to adapt current systems to meet the needs of  Indigenous Communities, while simultaneously building relationships with the established Longleaf Pine Community and  encouraging opportunities for the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe to participate in decision making, economic development and  Co-Management of ancestral land.  

Longleaf Pine Life Stages

Seed & Seedling:
Longleaf pine seeds fall near the tree in late fall. Rich in fats, they are a food source for animals. Those that survive quickly germinate, and during their early "grass stage," seedlings focus on root growth while being highly fire-resistant.

Grass Stage:
The tree remains low to the ground, resembling grass, with its growth focused underground. This stage can last several years, protecting the tree’s bud from fire.

Bottlebrush Stage:
Once the roots are strong, the tree rapidly grows in height, resembling a bottlebrush. During this time, it becomes more vulnerable to fire until its bark thickens.

Sapling Stage:
As the tree grows taller, it develops branches and becomes more resistant to fire. It continues to grow up to 3 feet per year.

Mature Tree:
Around 30 years, the tree starts producing cones. It can reach heights of 60 to 110 feet and live for over 300 years. Over time, it may show signs of decay from fungal infections.

Old Growth & Snags:
In its final years, the tree weakens, and as it dies, its bark falls away, leaving a snag. Snags play a vital role in the ecosystem, often burning in fires and contributing to the forest's renewal.


Learn & Grow: Your Fire Knowledge Hub

Resources for Understanding Cultural Burns & Conservation

Enviro. pledges .pdf
Fire for the land-2.pdf

Every backyard, garden, and property has the potential to make a positive impact on our local ecosystems. Join us in pledging to protect and enhance our forests and natural communities in 2025!

Whether you're planting native species, creating wildlife habitats, or supporting forest health - your actions matter. Meet some amazing people who are already pledging to make a difference in 2025! 

Jobs and opportunities 

Advanced Prescribed Burn Crew & Community Liaison - Job Description.pdf

Advanced Prescribed Burn Crew & Community Liaison x4

Meet the team 

Danielle Perez - Program Manager 

Hi! I’m Danielle. I am Waccamaw Sioaun and I live in the Buckhead community.  As the Program Manager, I leverage my passion for community service and development alongside my corporate management experience to guide the Hooheh Reforestation & Cultural Burn program. My goal is to ensure that our efforts benefit not only today's tribal generations but also future generations for years to come.

Windy Daniels - Education/ Marketing Coordinator

Hi! My name is Windy, I am from Castle Hayne, NC. My grandmother is from the Buckhead community . I work at the Cape Fear Museum on their education team with a special focus on Indigenous  history, and serve as the Education & Marketing Coordinator for the Hooheh Cultural Burn project. As a historian, my passion lies in merging history, education, and conservation to make a lasting impact. I am dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and the environment. When I am not working I am spending time with my husband, our two little girls and our dogs. 

I can't wait to meet you all! 

Nick Richardson - Cultural Burn Coordinator

My name is Nick Richardson and I come from the Haliwa-Saponi tribe in Hollister, NC. I have lived in the Buckhead community for about 8 years. I am a firefighter for the city of Wilmington Fire Department and a captain for Buckhead Volunteer Fire Department. I am married with two awesome kids Rileigh and Lucas. I have been very active in my culture since the age of 3 years old with drumming and dancing at many pow wows and ceremonies. 

I'm excited to share my passions for fire and cultural history. We will bring fire back to the land and reforest the Longleaf Pine.

Advanced Prescribed Burn Crew and Community Liaison 

Kate Patrick - Born and raised in the Buckhead community of Columbus County. Member of the Karuk, Yurok and Waccamaw Siouan tribe. Proud momma of 3 beautiful children Jean-David, Rayjin and Mariah. Working full time as a Registered Nurse, and in 2nd year of graduate school-pursuing a Masters of Nursing of Family Nurse Practitioner. Volunteer of the Buckhead Volunteer Fire Department. In free time, can be found doing anything outdoors or working out. 

“This project was made possible through support provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and The Nature Conservancy,  under the terms of Grant Agreement # 1903.23.078663. The content and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of such  agency or The Nature Conservancy, and no official endorsement should be inferred.”