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Into the Wild: Why sand dunes matter

TRANSCRIPT:

When people think about beach protection, they often think about seawalls or engineering projects. But one of our best natural defenses is the sand dune.

Dunes help absorb storm energy, reduce erosion, and provide habitat for wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. That's why it's important to stay on designated beach access paths and avoid walking through dune vegetation. Those plants help hold sand in place and allow dunes to grow stronger over time.

Healthy dunes are an investment in the future of our beaches and coastal communities.