Florida, of course, is the land of beaches: we have more ocean frontage than any state except Alaska. For millenia, a narrow band of beach dune habitat ringed the entire state, just behind the wave-washed sandy beaches. Sadly, today, the Florida dune ecosystem is virtually gone.
The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or peahens in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like lots of photos. :)
Along most of Florida’s coastline are barrier islands; these are long narrow sand spits that form parallel to the shore and protect the mainland from wind, waves and storms. In Florida, these islands are called “keys”. The protected area of shallow water in between the barrier islands and the mainland is called “the intercoastal”.
Along the edge of the barrier islands (and also along exposed open sand beaches on the mainland) are the beach dunes. Here, sand is blown by the wind into dunes, which are then stabilized by the root systems of the plants that have adapted to this habitat, and provide homes for the dune animals. The dunes help to protect the interior areas from winds, and help limit the amount of saltwater flooding during storms or hurricanes. They are also home to a number of unique plants and animals that have adapted to the high winds, constant salt spray, dry sand substrate, and direct sun.
Sadly, most of Florida's beach dune habitat has been destroyed, bulldozed to make room for beachfront condos and hotels. As a result, many of the unique plant species there are threatened or endangered.
But fortunately, state and local officials are now working together to try to protect the remaining dune habitats.
Some photos from a recent visit to a beach dune area (I'm not really a "plant" person, so apologies in advance if I have misidentified something):
The dunes are located at the back side of the beaches, above the high-tide line.
The dune system.
The dunes are very fragile and are damaged when people walk on them. So the state puts up boardwalks to allow people to reach the beach without walking through the dunes.
The dunes are protected by state law, and it's a hefty fine if you are caught damaging them.
Sea Oats
Beach Sunflower
Sea Grape
Sea Purslane
Beach Morning Glory
Cord grasses and Sour grasses
A Slash pine seedling on the dune. It is doomed: the wind and the shifting sand will eventually uproot it.
The plants attract a variety of insects, including grasshoppers, beetles, bees and butterflies.
A burrow in the dunes, probably a crab.
And now it is your turn: what's drifting in your neck of the woods? :)