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Stahlman Park
It Can be Dune!
Many people ask why sand dunes should be
preserved; "they are just piles of sand devoid
of plants and animals." Nothing could be further
from the truth. Of all the earth's natural
phenomena, sand dunes are one of the most
beautiful and fascinating. The complex
geological factors resulting in the formation of
dunes and their subsequent colonization by
plants and animals are absolutely amazing. Sand
dunes, often reveal many mysteries about the
geologic history and weather patterns of a
region. To stand before a gleaming white sand
dune and realize that all of this was once an
ancient lake bed or coastal plain is quite
astonishing. The incredible roaring sounds of
distant dunes is an unforgettable experience,
particularly during the quiet hours of darkness
and daybreak. Starting with the wind and
tumbling particles of sand and culminating in
picturesque drifts of rippled sand with an
entire, dynamic, living community of plants and
animals; this is one of nature's most remarkable
cycles, and it is truly a phenomenon of wind....
Sand Dune Restoration
Saturday, January 26th Brazoria County
residents have the opportunity to help with the
Sand Dune Restoration project by placing
recycled Christmas trees at the foot of the sand
dunes and staking them down to catch windblown
sand.
Volunteers can gather at 9 a.m. Saturday at
Stahlman Park (Surfside Beach) or the Brazoria
County Park at Quintana Beach. There they can
get stakes and twine - please bring your own
hammer and gloves - and dress appropriately for
the weather. Who knows? Your effort in capturing
the sand on the beaches, may reduce the amount
of sand plugging our river's mouth.
It
takes about 1,000 trees to cover a mile of
beach - and there are 21 miles of beach in
Brazoria County. The effort of recycling the
Christmas trees does 2 things. It reduces the
amount of items in our landfill AND it really
does help reduce the beach erosion Brazoria
County is experiencing. So, if you can help out,
go down to the beach and help replant the
Christmas trees at the existing dunes base and
think - it can be DUNE! Lunch will be
provided after the trees are placed.
If you have large loads of trees, or you want
more information on Dunes Day, call
Denise Grier at the Brazoria County Parks Dept.
At 979-864-1541 or 979-236-4968, or the Brazoria
County Extension Agent, Rich Tillman, at
979-864-1558, ext. 112.
Previously posted 1/17/06
Date /info changes
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