Coastal Dunes
Change is constant in coastal dune habitats. The wind and the waves continuously alter the shape of the shoreline, and our native plants and animals have evolved unique strategies to survive in this harsh environment. Many dune specialists like yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia) thrive in full sun, have thick leaves to prevent drying out, grow low to the ground, and push out long taproots through the sand. Snowy plovers (Anarhynchus nivosus) nest on open dunes, using camouflage to hide their eggs and young.
Unfortunately many of our dune habitats have been developed or were planted with European beach grass (Ammophila arenaria) in attempts to stop the dunes from shifting. This reduces available open dune habitat these species rely on.
We are working to restore coastal dune habitat by:
- Removing European beach grass from coastal dunes
- Replanting native dune species
- Burning thatch to restore open ground
Restoring Wildlife
Snowy plovers (Anarhynchus nivosus) are federally threatened and endangered in Washingon. They need undisturbed dune habitat with little to no vegetation for breeding and foraging. Ecostudies is restoring open dune habitat by removing European beach grass to help expand their available habitat.
Sand verbena moths (Copablepharon fuscum) are dependent on the yellow sand verbena plant for nectar and egg laying. Larvae also need the loose sand of coastal dunes to burrow into over the winter. Ecostudies is managing invasive species and augmenting populations of their host plant to help support the species.
Project Spotlight
Leadbetter State Park
Leadbetter Point, at the northernmost end of Long Beach Peninsula in Pacific County, is the largest undeveloped coastal dune system remaining in Washington State. Ecostudies Institute has been working with Washington State Parks to develop and enact a restoration plan to increase habitat for snowy plovers and restore coastal dune ecosystem processes. Well-timed herbicide treatments, mechanical invasive species removal, prescribed fire and native plant establishment are methods being utilized to achieve our restoration objectives.
