The Fragile Dunes

The transition from water's edge and delicate dune grasses to forest land is one of nature's environmental miracles. Having taken hundreds of years to develop, sand dunes are often held in place by the root systems of pioneer beach grasses and a handful of other plants that have evolved to tolerate the strong winds, hot sun and constantly changing water levels. Specifically suited to survive the unforgiving elements of such an environment, these plants also act as a blanket to protect the sand from drying winds and sun. Although the dunes are perpetually shifting in response to wind and water, the vegetation can provide enough stability to thwart that migration. Disturbing the fragile plants, however, wreaks havoc to this ecosystem, often resulting in blow-outs, or large barren hollows, and the eventual collapse of the surrounding dunes. Human activity poses one of the greatest threats to dune survival. Fearing the onslaught of commmerce, the late Senator Paul H. Douglas of Illinois was instrumental in establishing the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Today, through the efforts of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, the National Park and Forest Services, individuals, and state funding, miles of duneland along Michigan's northwest coast are also being saved from development. "Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children." Ancient Indian Proverb