Nassau County's Wild Neighbors: Sea Oats provide foundation for dunes, protection for locals

Sea Oats and Railroad Vine are thriving Sept. 17 behind Dave Bowman’s house on the south end of Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Dave Bowman walks past tire tracks Sept. 17 on the sand behind his house. The tracks go over sea oat stocks from Bowman property he was hoping would spread the grass to more of the dune. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader

Left: These sea oats were pictured Sept. 30 just days after being battered by tropical-storm force winds brought in by Hurricane Helene. Erosion can be seen just in front of where the sea oats roots hold sediment in place. Right: A sign at Seaside Park reminds visitors that it’s unlawful to disturb dunes or vegetation.

Sea Oats and Railroad Vine are thriving Sept. 17 behind Dave Bowman’s house on the south end of Amelia Island. Photo by Ashley Chandler/News-Leader