One of the most beautiful features of Florida beaches is the sand dunes. The sand dunes on each beach are different—some are large, others are small; some are covered with sea oats, while some of the larger dunes are inhabited by larger vegetation like sea grape or small oak trees.

Dunes are formed by the wind and plants on the beach. When the wind blows across the beach, it picks up sand particles. On a really windy day, you can actually see the sand (and feel it) blowing across the beach. As the wind passes by a small plant or blade of grass, the speed of the wind is slowed and the sand grains fall to the ground. As this continues, the sand piles up and the dune grows. Plants continue to colonize the dune and it continues to grow.

Dunes create a protected environment on their landward side so a larger variety of plants can develop, which in turn supports birds and animals. Don't be surprised to see rabbits, gopher tortoises, beach mice, and doves in the low vegetation behind the dunes.

Some of the largest dunes can be found in northwest Florida on the Gulf coast, and in northeast Florida on the Atlantic. Grayton Beach State Park, about 20 miles east of Destin, FL has magnificent sand dunes, as does Guana River State Park on the Atlantic Coast, a short drive north of St. Augustine, FL.

Dunes are protected in Florida because they are so valuable. Access to the beach is often provided by “dune walkovers,” and the dunes themselves may be protected by low wooden stake fencing. You should avoid walking or climbing on the dunes as this destroys delicate vegetation and slows the development of the dune. Also, sea oats, which often cover the dunes, are a protected species and harvesting of the seed stalks is prohibited.

Sand dunes are a beautiful feature of our Florida beaches, so next time you are hurrying past the dunes to the water, slow down and have a good look at the dunes. You never know what you might see.