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Project Noah Nature School
Uniola paniculata
Notice the sign that says Dune Restoration is in progress. Sand Dunes are formed naturally, but the intensity and frequency of Hurricanes recently, have stripped the area of sand dunes. So, they are being helped along by human hands in critical spots where nesting birds need them and erosion control and storm surge protection is deemed critical. Interestingly enough, there are now large tractor driven rake-like things that get pulled along the beach in heavy tourist areas and public and some private beaches (like hotels and resorts) that run huge tractors and scrape up a small amount of the sand and drop it through a sieve to get garbage off the beach. They usually run the tractors at sunrise to get human trash washed up from tides, or late at night to get human debris.
People see Sea Oats when they first come to the beaches and they think, "I'll take some of this as a souvenir because it's just grass." But, Sea Oats are actually integral to coastal inland protection, and provide habitats for lots of birds and wildlife to nest and feed. When the sand dunes are destroyed from hurricane waters and winds, subsequent winds and water damage are greater because the sand dune barriers are gone. The sand dunes are not man made, but naturally form when the wind blows sand into drifts and Sea Oats actually take root on the tops of the dunes, helping to form larger dunes (thus more inland protection). It's a protected plant in Florida and Georgia because people like to take it as souvenirs of their trip to the beaches. But it's very important for erosion control and to dampen the impact of storm surge.
Spotted on Jul 15, 2011
Submitted on Jul 18, 2011
5 Comments
The glass containers are not allowed on beaches, but that only stops the responsible/informed people. And I still see them all the time in the trash cans and all over the beaches. Beer must taste better or only be sold in glass bottles than in plastic or cans??? I also think people take them to docks and boats and throw/drop them into the water. We can see them here but this was far a way. I didn't even notice it until the picture back on the computer.
The sea turtles nest where ever. Some years I see lots of nests (nicely roped off with signage) and others fewer. However, it does seem that the nest counts are going up overall in the area.
Glass containers are not allowed on the beach here. People are used to that and it does help.
As to the sky banner, I barely noticed it. We can read them so clearly here.
1Sarah2 - you are absolutely correct on the beach cleaners, the nesting sites, the dunes, and the amount of trash. It is disgusting and flat out dangerous to people and wildlife. 6packs Coke bottle holders - plastic wrappers entangle fish, glass bottles - super dangerous little daggers cut all sorts of skin, and broken styrofoam are some of the worst offenders. Followed by charcoal grilling supplies, aluminum and plastic drink bottles, batteries, chip bags, sunscreen containers, awning stakes and ropes, plastic toys and floats, clothing of all manner, and diapers - sheesh the diapers are just foul. Sad thing is - some lazy humans think nothing of trashing such a beautiful place even though there are usually trash cans all over the place. People get hot and tired of carrying all their gear, so they drop it and leave it. Sadly, I've seen people walk away from entire "campsites" worth of stuff because they were drunk and couldn't find their way back. Beaches and alcohol don't really mix well from a safety standpoint and a litter standpoint, but people do it anyway.
The 4th picture in series has a plane pulling one of those annoying sky-banners promising cold beer or dancing parties or something like that.
The beach cleaners do not clean in the dune areas, over sea turtle nests (once identified), or in active bird nesting sites. All of these areas are protected. Sea turtle nests and bird nesting sites are even "roped" off.
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/660...
Really, if you saw the amount of trash that is left on the beach every day (disposal containers are supplied), you would be appalled.
Awesome post!!