Protecting Fragile Dunes

Please remember that when we visit the beach as Audubon Alliance for Coastal Waterbirds shorebird monitors, or general volunteers, birders, photographers, and so on, we have to do our best to protect both fauna and flora. We want to keep ourselves out of the fragile dunes and stay near the wet sand and water line, ideally at lower tides. Nearing or entering dunes will impact wildlife while potentially harming or destroying dune vegetation.

These dune systems are an ecosystem onto themselves. They are the backbone of our beaches, and they also protect all the habitats beyond - including human. We do not want to be walking through these fragile grasses that can succumb even to our footsteps. Additionally, these are often places where we can pick up more ticks, and increase the likelihood of disturbing the nesting focal species we are meant to monitor and help protect. Thank you for being considerate of all of the life on our beaches.

Scott Kruitbosch
AAfCW Volunteer Coordinator