|
Ecology
The 3 Ecosystems of
Jockey's Ridge
Jockey's Ridge is the tallest  active sand dune system in the
Eastern United States, and the most striking of the remaining dunes on the
Outer Banks. Shifting winds are constantly reshaping the dunes. Because the
Ridge is always changing, it is often referred to as "The Living
Dune." Jockey's Ridge encompasses three distinct ecological
environments: Dunes, Maritime Thicket, and the Roanoke Sound Estuary.
 The Dunes
The dunes consist of three peaks and are an example of a Medaño, shifting sand that lacks vegetation. No plants or animals
make their home on the dune due to the harsh conditions here.
The area around the base of the dunes hosts a variety of
grasses and small plants. One such plant is the American Beach Grass which
anchors itself in the sand with help from its 40-foot long root system. The
grasses create habitats for small animals and insects. Heavy rains sometimes
create temporary pools (below) around the base of the dunes, providing
wildlife with fresh water.
Sand
Facts
The amount of sand making up the 420 acres of Jockey's Ridge is equal to about 6,000,000 dump truck
loads!
The Sand is mostly quartz
rock which came from the mountains millions of years
ago.
The dunes never blow away because Northeast and Southwest winds blow the sand back and
forth. |
 The
Maritime Thicket
The maritime thicket of live oaks, persimmons,
red cedar, wax myrtle, bayberry, sweet gum, red oaks, and pines grows best in
areas protected by the large dune. The height of the dune provides protection
from both wind and salt blown off the ocean. The effects of the wind and salt
stunts the growth of trees, causing them to look like shrubs. Larger animals
such as foxes, deer, and raccoon find protection in this
environment.
The
Roanoke Sound Estuary
The Roanoke Sound Estuary is a rich habitat for a variety of
plant, animal and bird life. Cattails, sawgrass, giant cordgrass and black
needlerush provide habitats for many waterfowl and serve as fish nurseries. The
sound is also home to the Blue Crab, an important commercial fisheries industry
in North Carolina.
Ecology
Click on the images
below to view them larger.
Prickley Pear
Cactus | 
Live Oak |
American Beach
Grass
|
Trumpet
Creeper |
Also look for: Persimmon, Black Cherry, Honeysuckle, Toad-flax,
Swamp Rose Mallow, Pennywort, Wild Lettuce, Yucca, Yaupon, Wax Myrtle,
Bayberry, Loblolly Pine, and others. A complete list is available at the
park office. |
