Coastal Habitats

• Grades 5th–12th
• Length: 3.5 hours
• Type: Field Program
• Alabama Course of Study

Formerly known as the Beaches and Maritime Forest class, students explore Alabama’s coastal ecology through a guided walk along the beach and maritime forest habitats of Dauphin Island. The educator facilitates a discussion of the biotic and abiotic characteristics of beaches, barrier islands and maritime forests, as well as invasive species while students examine plants and animals.

Students will walk about two miles along the beach, over the dunes, and through the maritime forest. Feet may get wet!

Collections of shells and other non-living specimens, as well as plants are permitted, but please bring your own Ziploc bags (gallon size recommended).

Keywords to review: Dunes, Estuary, Erosion, Longshore Current