Two towers

Two long leaf pine trees show the scars of fire from the last prescribed burn by Jackson Guard forestry technicians at Whitepoint, an 85-acre recreation area on Choctawahatchee Bay. Many native plants and animal species depend on Eglin's fire-dependent long-leaf pine ecosystem, 11 of which are federally protected. Endangered species such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, depend on fire that is typically caused by either lightning strikes or Eglin's resident fire managers to survive. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Whitepoint

A barren pine tree reaches out toward the water at Whitepoint, an 85-acre recreation area on Choctawahatchee Bay. Many native plants and animal species depend on Eglin's fire-dependent long-leaf pine ecosystem, 11 of which are federally protected. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

April showers

Storm clouds roll in blanketing the sky over Post’l Point April 5 at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The storm brought a quick, but heavy downpour of rain to the base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

W244

A newly tagged black bear awaits his release back into the wilds of Eglin Air Force Base’s range March 27. Reports of the 2-year-old, 200-pound bear getting into people’s trash in Valparaiso, Fla., prompted the relocation by Florida Fish and Wildlife employees. This was the first relocation this year. FWC officials say they perform three to four bear relocations per year in the area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Pelican parking

A pelican perches on a wooden pole by Weekly Bayou at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Nov. 29. The pelican is one of many wild birds within the Eglin range. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Solar pool

Newly installed black polypropylene solar panels with UV inhibitors actively heat the water of the Eglin Air Force Base pool. The new panels will heat the pool constantly from March to December. Every two minutes, 1,323 gallons of water cycle through the solar collectors absorbing the heat. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)