OUTWARD BOUND
The Dunes , Maritime Forests and Salt Marshes of Georgia ’ s Coast
ON BARRIER ISLANDS , EVEN A FEW INCHES OF ELEVATION CHANGE LEAD TO VASTLY DIFFERENT NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS .
| BY JOE RADA |
Ten feet . That ’ s the highest elevation found on Sea Island . But what a difference a tiny topographical change makes to plants and animals inhabiting natural areas as diverse as dunes , marshes and maritime forests .
“ These unique ecosystems wrap around each other like jigsaw puzzle pieces ,” says Sea Island Lead Naturalist Haley Watkins . “ Each area is fascinating . Together they ’ re truly amazing and even a slight rise in elevation can change everything .”
Georgia ’ s barrier islands are teeming with dynamic and interconnected ecosystems influenced by tides , waves and currents . Sands from ocean-facing shores gradually migrate and accumulate in salt marshes , while nutrient-rich floating marsh plants move the opposite direction and accumulate on beaches ; each feeding the other . These intertwined microcosms attract a wide variety of wildlife that feeds on , nests in , migrates through or otherwise inhabits coastal settings .
SAND DUNES “ Georgia ’ s gently sloped beaches can extend as far as a quarter mile out at low tide ,” Watkins notes . “ They ’ re great for watching shorebirds , exploring tidepools , seeing tiny coquina clams burrow and horseshoe crabs gather .”
Clusters of sculpted beachside dunes are home to sparse but hardy desert-like flora , chief among them are sea oats whose reedy stalks sway in the breeze . Known as pioneer plants because they establish first , sea oats trap blown sand and extend long roots , habits that help stabilize dunes . “ Sea oats turn bright goldenamber in fall , which is partly how The Golden Isles got its name ,” Watkins states .
Dunes harbor a variety of specially adapted plants like saw palmetto , prickly pear cactus , yucca , morning glory and sea oxeye daisies . All of which have thick , waxy or furry leaves that are able to conserve moisture and withstand sea spray .
18 SEA ISLAND LIFE | FALL / WINTER 2022 / 23