In August 2025, DWPSP was fortunate to be contacted by and collaborate with a native plant nursery to acquire 16,000 native dune plants. Teams of volunteers planted these plants in the dunes from areas 1 through 5 on two very hot summer days. While wet season typically provides enough rain and moisture to encourage plant growth, the 2025 unusually dry “wet season” presented a challenge. Volunteers and staff addressed the problem by hand watering plants and against all odds, the plants began to take root and establish themselves on the dunes early his fall.

 

Dune plants are important to the beach ecosystem because they stabilize dunes by grabbing onto sand and preventing it from blowing or washing away. As dune plants grow, they provide habitat and food for our native animals including insects, shorebirds, and gopher tortoises. Maturing dunes also provide an erosion barrier protecting the interior of the park from storm surge and damage.

 

While visiting the park, please respect the dune signs posted on the rope fence and avoid the area. Limiting disturbances will help protect our dune plants, our wildlife, and preserve and protect our natural resources.