Pulitzer Prize winner and world renowned biologist Dr. Edward Wilson returned to Walton County today to encourage the local efforts to preserve our southern forest.

Wilson spoke at the Long Leaf Alliance and Forest Guild Conference in Sandestin and praised the groups for their efforts in conserving what remains of the Southeast Long Leaf Pine.

She tells us Wilson wants all of us to help preserve our area's wildlife.

Standing room only, hundreds of people gathered to hear two times Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Edward Wilson present his ideas on forest restoration.

Long Leaf Alliance and the Forest Guild co-hosted this meeting focused on educating members on the changing world of forestry.

Rhett Johnson of the Long Leaf Alliance says, “Long Leaf was a dominate forest in the southeast. It covered about 90 million acres at the time of settlement, and today there are less than four million acres left."

Dr. Wilson, known to many as the father of biodiversity, has taught at Harvard for 40 years, authored 25 books and has received more than 100 international medals and awards.

Originally from Mobile, Wilson says visiting the Panhandle feels like coming home and he's happy to see people along the Gulf Coast caring about preservation.

Dr. Edward Wilson, the Pulitzer Prize winner, says, "As one of my friends said when I got off the plane. Welcome home. I came home. What they're doing is really good for the country and for nature. That's inspirational to me."

Throughout the weekend attendees will go on tours and discuss forest management and ecosystem restoration.

Wilson urges every American to do their part in conserving the last remaining acres of Long Leaf Forest.

"Encourage methods for continuing economic growth that don't mean mowing down the last of the beautiful forest,” he adds.

The conference will end on November 1st.