Old Salty Survivors

When soil conditions are relatively stable on a barrier island, tree seedlings may begin to grow in moist protected hollows behind the dunes, and these maritime forests must take root in constantly shifting sands while surviving daily salt-laden winds. Red cedar, American holly, pitch pine, black cherry, and red maple comprise most of the forest, with their proportions varying according to environmental influences and the age of the island. American holly thrives in Sandy Hook’s forest, while red cedar and pitch pine dominate maritime woodlands along the central coast of New Jersey. Maritime forests add natural beauty and recreational opportunities and also shade the island, provide food, water, and shelter for wildlife, buffer noise, and filter dust and fog from the air.

Barnegat Light, New Jersey · United States