I had the privilege of meeting Abbott Lee years ago during my stint as a volunteer with the Pinelands Coalition. He was a smart, knowledgeable guy then and I have no doubt that, over twenty years on, he is even more knowledgeable about the pines. Moreover, he grew up in the midst of the pines, worked the land, learned the rhythms of the passing seasons, the way the natural world that surrounded him impacted his life and work, and, learned much of the history and folklore of the pines from friends, family and his own inquiry.
Nevertheless, you don't know all the folks who frequent this board. There are people who post here and others that lurk, who, in their way have an equal, if different understanding of the pine barrens. Indeed, it is likely that some people, in their areas of expertise, possess even greater knowledge than the Lees. I don't say this to denigrate Stephen and Abbott Lee. Far from it. Rather, I think it is important to understand that there are different ways to understand the pines and there is an awful lot to know. There is, to my knowledge, no person or couple of persons who know it all. I can't say if it actually takes a village to raise a child, but I believe I can safely say that it takes a community to fully know the pines. So, welcome to this part of that community. We'll take all the help we can get.
Actually, it would be pretty interesting if Stephen or Abbott Lee posted here. It would, as I'm sure you'd agree, enrich the conversation.
best
relayer
ps. just so it's clear, i'm not claiming to be one of the smart ones