The National Aquarium is partnering with the Command Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center to plant native dune grasses to restore habitat for local wildlife and protect the shoreline.
Project Description
Coastal sand dunes are formed by the action of sea and wind. Material carried by the rivers is deposited with the help of the sea along the coastline, forming sand dunes. They protect the land by acting as a natural barrier to salt water intrusion and sea wind erosion. The sand dune system absorbs the energy of the waves; without this protection, soft coastline would disappear rapidly.
Even small disruptions in the dune system can cause salt water infiltration into the ground water, threatening local farmlands. Although sand dunes may appear to be lifeless, in reality they are home to a multitude of species. Their importance has been acknowledged over the last few years, and they now are priority habitats for conservation.
Site History
Naval Air Station Oceana-Dam Neck Annex is located in Virginia Beach along a 3-mile stretch of beachfront property. The beach stability has been compromised with storms such as Hurricane Isabel. Buffer and training sites, as well as sensitive ecological habitat areas, have been degraded.
Due to recent storm activity, dune fencing will need to be installed to facilitate natural dune formation, and grasses will be planted to stabilize the area.
» View a slideshow of photos from this conservation event.
» Fill out this form to get more information on participating.
Due to the nature of this event, volunteers must be at least 10 years old, and volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
