Sand Dunes

Listen to the sounds of this habitat!

The sand dunes pictured above receive moisture from rain and surf and are occasionally flooded during bad storms. It does not have much fresh water.

It is a harsh environment because it has a lot of salt and sandy soil.

The tall plants you see above are called sea oats. These and other plants are important because they help to keep the dunes from washing away. Their roots hold the sand in place and their shoots help to block the wind.

Sea turtles may come in from the ocean to bury their eggs in the sand. Small fish and other prey for animals living here come and go with the tide of the ocean. Overhead, you may see seagulls and other birds that live near the ocean.