As you make the transition from open beach to sand dunes, notice the presence of rooted vegetation, primarily beach grass and poison ivy. Both plants have an extensive root system which enables them to act like a net, holding the sand and soil back from being washed out to sea during high tide.

These grasses also offer nesting areas for birds such as willet, laughing, herring and great blackbacked gulls. These birds prefer the tall grasses because they provide excellent cover such as great hiding places for their chicks!