Time for Nature

Life's more than a beach

July 26, 2005

Prince Edward Island National Park

Every summer the call of sand, wind and sea brings record numbers of vacationers to Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada . The park and its beaches are so popular that conservation measures must be taken to protect this fragile coastal landscape, while still providing visitors with a memorable experience in the park.

Sand dunes

Due to the location of the main road, just back from the shoreline, visitors have a natural tendency to walk over the sand dunes, a key habitat in the park's coastal landscape, to find the quickest route to get to the beach. They also like to climb on the dunes to get a view of the water or to seek shelter from wind or privacy from crowds. This trampling causes the creation of too many trails in the dunes, which can damage this fragile habitat. "Many visitors are not aware of the damage they are causing to the dunes by walking on them and one of our major tasks is to educate our visitors on how they can help us protect the park," says park interpreter Barb MacDonald.

Protecting a delicate landscape

Dunes are a very attractive refuge for people who are seeking shelter from the wind or privacy from the crowds.
© Parks Canada, J. Pleau, 2001

The coastal landscape that makes Prince Edward Island National Park special consists of a dynamic system of ponds, salt marshes, sand dunes, sand spits and beaches. Although they may appear to be desert-like and unable to support life, sand dunes provide habitat for many plants and animals. They also help protect the Island from damage by heavy storms. However, the dunes are very fragile and easily damaged by wind erosion. The intertwining roots and rhizomes of marram grass hold the dunes together. Studies have shown that as few as 10 footsteps through the same path can kill the marram grass in that spot.This leaves the dune vulnerable to increased erosion from blowing winds and can result in major blow outs and the migration of sand inland.

The intertwining roots and rhizomes of marram grass hold the dunes together.
© Parks Canada, P.E.I. National Park

Parks and people need to coexist. That's why Parks Canada supports and pursues research, investigating both the natural dynamics of dune formations as well as visitor uses and behaviours. Parks Canada is also monitoring how vegetation recovers on trails that have been closed to the public for rehabilitation. To help reduce damage to the sand dunes, the park has built boardwalks and installed sections of rubber carpeting at designated beach access points for people to use. Park staff will continue to monitor the dunes to keep this delicate habitat and people in balance.

Making a difference

To help reduce damage to the sand dunes, the park has built boardwalks and installed sections of rubber carpeting at designated beach access points.
© Parks Canada, J. Daniluck, 2002

In the summer, Prince Edward Island National Park is one of the most visited national parks in Canada. Visitors can help protect the dunes by being aware of their fragility, using the boardwalks and paths at designated beach access points and staying off the dunes.

However, the need to protect the coastal landscape extends beyond the boundaries of the park. As 90% of Prince Edward Island is privately owned, citizen stewardship must play an important role in Island conservation. The Island Nature Trust , a non-profit organization with many members and volunteers, protects and manages natural areas by acquiring land and through private stewardship, education, awareness and advocacy. If an area is threatened by development or damage, the Trust will step in to try to ensure protection. It also assists in dune rehabilitation when and where possible.

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