Dunes & Sea Oates

Not only are sea oats beautiful to look at, they also are important in helping to establish sand dunes. Rogers and Nash write, “Plants trap blowing sand, causing the formation of sand dunes and stabilization of barrier island soils.” The dune also provides a habitat for animals such as birds, amphibians and reptiles.

Large dunes are not readily eroded by storms and protect areas further landward from storm surge. “A principal benefit for anyone living near a shoreline is that the dune acts as a storage reservoir for sand… If the dune is large enough, waves and storm surge are prevented from washing across a barrier island,”

For this reason it is illegal to pick, dig up or otherwise disturb the sea oats. There are designated access pathways across the dunes to the beach. These are often just fenced pathways but sometimes include boardwalks.

Stay home if you can but for sure, please stay safe and healthy.