school of natural resources and environment
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School of Natural Resources and Environment. Sand Dunes. How to care ……and why!. How are dunes formed?. Coastal dunes are formed when sand is trapped around the stems, leaves and roots of plants in the vegetated areas of the beach. Why are Dunes Important?. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
School of Natural Resources and Environment
How to care How to care …… ……and why!and why!
How are dunes How are dunes formed?formed?
Coastal dunes are formed when sand is trapped around the stems, leaves and roots of plants in the vegetated areas of the beach
Why are Dunes Why are Dunes Important?Important?
Why are Dunes Why are Dunes Important?Important?
The sand dune system along Navarre Beach helps protect the mainland and buildings from the force of tropical storms and hurricanes. The dune system absorbs the energy of storm waves
Why use different Why use different plants to restore plants to restore
dunes?dunes?
Should we plant Sea Oat Turf?
Many different species of plants naturally occur in the dune system
This diversity offers more opportunities for trapping sand and provides habitat for wildlife
Is it beneficial to plant more than one species when
restoring dunes?
Will a variety of plants trap sand differently than a monoculture?Will survival of a variety of plants differ from survival of a monoculture?
Beach ElderIva imbricata
Bitter PanicumPanicum amarum
Gulf BluestemSchizachyrium maritimum
Sea OatsUniola paniculata
Site 7
Monoculture
Beach Elder
Site 8
Plantings combining 3 species
Beach Elder
Gulf Bluestem
Sea Oats
Sites 10 & 11
Plantings combining 2 species
Sea Oats
Bitter Panicum
Kiosks are installed at each site to provide information for the public
Citizen involvement and public education are integral to increasing public coastal awareness and
stewardship
How can you help protect dunes?
Footpaths through dunes can cause “blowouts” in the dune system during storms Surging water washes away sand that makes up the dune
Utilize dune walkovers whenever possible!
Coastal Stewardship practices for all…
Avoid picking or damaging dune plants
Keep pets on a leash and out of dunes
Don’t litter
For more information…
Visit the UF Barrier Island Dunes website at http://wfrec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/dunes
orVisit the Navarre Beach study sites at public
access sites 7, 8, 10, and 11
Project Leaders:Dr. Debbie MillerDr. Mack ThetfordChristine Verlinde
Special Thanks:Cary Levins Mike Martino Kathy Hardin Barry BallardNik McCue Tanya Alvarez
Collaborators:Josiah
RaymerAndrew
DillerScott
Jackson