Mint. MNH. No flaws. From a Smoke-free and Pet-free Environment.

On April 26, 2002, the U.S. Postal Service issued this sheet of Longleaf Pine Forest self-adhesive 34¢ stamps in Tallahassee, FL - the 4th issuance in the Nature of America series of educational stamps to promote appreciation for the beauty of 12 different North American ecosystems. These large sheets (9.2" x 6.7") were designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, MD, and illustrated by artist John D. Dawson of Hilo, HI. Each sheet consists of a large panoramic image of a U.S. geographical region, with the region’s flora and fauna clearly visible. Ten stamps were die cut on to the design, each composing one or more species indigenous to the depicted ecosystem. The back of the sheet has a brief descriptive text, accompanied by a graphic outline of the stamp images. The flora and fauna depicted are identified and labeled with both their common and Latin names.

The longleaf pine forests from southeastern Virginia to eastern Texas are forests "built by fire" that support a rich diversity of 300 animal species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Programs are underway to preserve remaining stands of longleaf and restore them where they have been replaced by other trees. The artwork on this sheet includes 27 animal and plant species native to this forest community, and the 10 die cut stamps include: Bachman's Sparrow; Broadhead Skink; Rosebud Orchid and Pipewort; Grass-pink Orchid and Yellow-sided Skimmer; Northern Bobwhite and Yellow Pitcher Plant; Red-bellied Woodpecker and Fox Squirrel; Eastern Towhee and Toothache Grass; Gray Fox, Gopher Tortoise and Turkey Oak; Brown-headed Nuthatch; and Sweetbay, Blind Click Beetle and Pine Woods Treefrog.

Scott # 3611

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