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Within this module you will investigate the
following aspects of Coastal Dunes:
- Types of Coastal Dunes
- Dune Life Zones
- Plants
- Animals
- Piping Plover
- Dwarf Lake Iris
- Map of Michigan Coastal Dunes
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Did you know that the Great Lakes are home to
the largest collection of freshwater dunes in the world? Or, that
Michigan, with 275,000 acres of coastal sand dunes, is home to
more freshwater dunes than any other state? Most of Michigan’s
dunes were formed around 4000-6000 years ago, following the melting
of the glaciers that once covered our region. Today, this fragile
ecosystem offers habitat to a wide variety of plants and animals,
some of which are threatened or endangered. Coastal dunes are popular
places to visit because of their sandy beaches and opportunities
for recreational use. In addition, sand from Michigan dunes has
been highly prized for its use in foundries that produce metal
car parts. In this module, you will learn about how Coastal Dunes
are formed, the different life zones of coastal dunes, where they
are located in Michigan, some of the plants and animals, and how
we can help take care of them. |
