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Other Coastal Habitats
Beaches and Dunes | Coastal Grasslands and Shrublands | Coastal Forest
What are they?
For many of us, the summer would not be complete without at least one trip to the beach – that sandy, sometimes rocky area between Long Island Sound and land. Beaches and dunes are formed by water and wind currents and erosion. With Long Island forming a protective barrier, the Connecticut coast is not subject to the same intensity of water and wind currents as those coastal areas lying directly adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, dune systems are smaller and less well developed along our coastline than in other coastal states.
Vegetation
One of the most common and important plants of these dunes is American beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata). This grass has an extensive root system and can spread via underground stems or rhizomes. This root system acts as a natural erosion control device, helping to stabilize the shifting sands of the dunes. Other plants that may be found on the beaches, dunes or sand flats are dusty miller, sea rocket, Virginia rose, beach plum, northern bayberry, and the state listed plant, seabeach sandwort (Honckenya peploides).
Why they’re important
Many birds, native plants, several reptiles and invertebrates depend on these areas for survival. Numerous birds use the beaches and dune system as nesting and feeding areas. Piping plovers and least terns are two state listed birds that nest along the shoreline. Another animal that has been observed along the Connecticut shoreline and tidal marshes is the diamondback terrapin, a small turtle (5-7 inch shell length) named for the diamond patterns on its top shell. This turtle lays eggs in the sand in the early summer.
Threats to the beaches, dunes and their inhabitants are numerous – ranging from habitat loss to invasive species. Disturbances include pedestrian, vehicular, and boat traffic, pets and feral animals.
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Small dune system with American beach grass. |
Back dune area with shrubs. |
Coastal Grasslands and Shrublands |
What are they?
Within New England, coastal grasslands and shrublands are ecologically significant ecosystems with limited occurrence. They are found on sandy or gravelly soils of glacial origin with their biota influenced by a maritime climate. They are maintained by periodic disturbances – both natural and anthropogenic. The largest occurrences are found on Long Island, Cape Cod and associated islands. Development, succession and loss of cultural processes such as grazing, plowing, and burning have led to the loss of these habitats throughout Long Island and New England.
Vegetation
Bunch-forming grasses are generally dominant with species such as little bluestem, poverty grass, and common hairgrass. In post-agricultural fields one often finds asters, goldenrods and other perennials mixing with the grasses. Woody plants may be found here as well – blueberries, huckleberries, and red cedar, with invasive shrubs rapidly overtaking the area if no control steps are taken.
Why they’re important
Many of these coastal habitats have been lost through development of these highly desirable sites or due to lack of disturbance and subsequent succession by woody and/or invasive species. Given the limited occurrence of these areas, as they disappear, numerous species that are limited to such sites have become endangered and some, extinct. For example, these areas provide habitat for numerous federal and state listed rare plant and animal species such as sandplain gerardia, bushy rockrose, Northern harrier, and grasshopper and Savannah sparrows.
In 2006, the CT Department of Environmental Protection announced a new initiative to conserve grassland habitat. Working with numerous partners, this program is aimed at preserving grasslands statewide.
Coastal Meadow
What is it?
Coastal forests are found along the coast and are subject to a maritime climate. These forests do not receive daily salt spray (as a true maritime forest may), but can be subject to wind and salt spray during storm events.
Vegetation
Oak trees, particularly black, white, chestnut and scarlet, are the dominant trees of these forests. Other trees that may be intermixed with the oaks include black cherry, sassafras, red maple, beech, tupelo, white pine and pitch pine. Low lying shrubs such as low bush blueberries and black huckleberry. Vines are very characteristic of coastal forest edges and openings including Virginia creeper, poison ivy, grape and greenbriers.
Why they’re important
Due to intense agricultural and development pressures, Connecticut has very little forest left within the coastal zone. What is left is often heavily browsed by deer and invaded by non-native species. Raising awareness of where and what these forests are will aid in protection and restoration efforts.
Coastal Forest
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