Separated
from the mainland by stretches of sound waters up to 30 miles wide, the
barrier islands host several natural communities. On the sound side of
the island, hike through a maritime forest that has some trees common
to the mainland, like live oaks, loblolly pines, and cabbage palms, in
addition to yaupon, wax myrtle, and cotton bush. Gray squirrels, barn
owls, glass lizards, and osprey have adapted to life here.
Heading toward the ocean, you enter
dune and grassland communities. A few plants can thrive here, like sea
oats and dune spurge, and small animals like ant lions, tiger beetles,
and snakes may skitter across the sand. Down on the beach, watch for ghost
crabs. If your timing is right, you might see baby loggerhead turtles
hatching from their sandy nests in early fall. A few inches below the
wet sand in the intertidal zone, mole crabs and coquina clams filter seawater
for food, while providing a meal for shorebirds and small fish. Just
offshore, pelicans and terns dive into a school of fish, where you'll
find yet another natural community in motion.
[Mountains] [Piedmont] [Sandhills] [Upper
Coastal Plain] [Lower Coastal Plain] [Barrier Islands]
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