Dune Planting / Stabilization

Coastal dunes form when vegetation traps sand brought in by waves, wind, and tides. Dunes can serve as a flexible barrier; protecting coastlines from storm tides and waves, and also serve as sand reservoirs for beach nourishment. Overtime, storms and tides move the sand offshore and it slowly returns during calm weather.

Coastal dune ecosystems are extremely valuable to the coast, but are fragile and often misunderstood or not appreciated. Excessive use often upsets the natural balance, damaging the vegetation and deteriorating the dune system. Shoreline development and the crushing of vegetation by feet and vehicles threaten the dune vegetation and dune stability.

What can you do?

• Protect natural beach vegetation by walking around it or avoiding the area entirely. 
• If you find a dune in your area that should be protected or restored, contact your local beach authority to get a list of local plants and procedures. Plant species selection is especially important because dune plants must be able to survive sand blasting, sand burial, salt spray, saltwater flooding, heat, drought, and a limited nutrient supply. Only a few plant species can tolerate these stresses. 
• In areas where dune restoration projects already exist, be sure to respect the boundaries and encourage others to do so too.