Assateague Island

BARRIER ISLANDS ARE AMONG THE MOST DYNAMIC LANDFORMS ON EARTH. FROM OCEAN TO BAY, ASSATEAGUE ISLAND IS DEFINED BY CHANGE. J E° I? Si it f «i 2 3 i O -C l/l CO I in 15 c g T3 ID Z TO ?:s nj c i 2£ h 9 £ ->, TO C +H S * < 2 O \n (U <D </) "ru C o to z c I fO V) 1 I < The rhythms of tides and seasons shape the island. The smallest gust of wind or gentlest of waves moves sand in a ceaseless rearrangement of island terrain. While summer waves and longshore currents may build a wide beach, most of the year sand is scoured from the shore and moved southward leaving a narrow, steep shoreline. Storms can create inlets or fill them in. They can cut away dunes and wash sand across the island. The retreating dunes mark the island's westward movement. New habitats are created—old ones are reinvented. Plants and animals shift and adapt in counterpoint to these changes. On Assateague Island, nature's rhythmic processes are a brilliant display. Natural zones shaped and reshaped by w i n d , w a v e , and current characterize Assateague Island. Distinct plant and animal communities have adapted to each zone. This north-facing v i e w depicts these habitats, left t o right, f r o m bay t o ocean. ARTWORK: NPS / MICHAEL HAMPSHIRE COASTAL BAYS Chincoteague the grasses. Young fish f i n d ref- i n t o t h e bay. Scavengers, like M A R I T I M E FOREST The forest w h i t e - t a i l e d and sika deer, rac- f o r m a malleable barrier against t i d a l zone w h e r e crashing Bay and t w o smaller bays separate uge f r o m predators. Seahorses snails, amphipods, and f i d d l e r edge is b o r d e r e d by a shrub coons, and birds like t h e y e l l o w - t h e assault of w i n d and water. waves deliver f o o d and render Assateague f r o m t h e m a i n l a n d . and pipefish, vulnerable in open crabs, f e e d on detritus. They in t h i c k e t on b o t h bay and ocean r u m p e d w a r b l e r and Eastern W h e r e overwash does occur, pip- all homes t e m p o r a r y . Shore- They provide an e n v i r o n m e n t rich water, depend on grasses f o r an- t u r n are f o o d f o r h i g h t i d e visi- sides. This is a n o t h e r t r a n s i t i o n t o w h e e . Predators like g r e a t ing plovers and o t h e r birds f i n d birds dance away f r o m t h e surf in aquatic life and vital t o ocean chorage and safe haven. M u d - tors t o t h e salt marsh like fish area b e t w e e n distinct c o m m u n i - h o r n e d owls and red f o x h u n t prized nesting h a b i t a t . The pri- while attempting to dine on ecosystems. The w a r m , shallow loving creatures cluster a r o u n d and crabs. W h e n t h e t i d e is o u t , ties. Greenbrier, h i g h b u s h blue- small mammals, birds, and rep- mary beach f r o n t dunes are d o m - creatures concealed in t h e waters create a productive nursery roots. These are t h e secret gar- a b a n q u e t is exposed in t h e m u d - berry, and bayberry t h r i v e here. tiles in t h e w o o d l a n d . inated by American beach grass, sand. f o r mussels, crabs, clams, t e r r a p i n , dens of t h e coastal bays. flats w h e r e birds feast o n t h e Trees, stunted and sculpted by small creatures t h a t inhabit this and fish. Twice a day, tides rejuve- w i t h its extensive r o o t system salt-laden winds, m i n g l e w i t h DUNES A N D UPPER BEACH and ability t o t o l e r a t e relentless The ocean f o o d w e b starts nate these areas and ferry aquatic SALT M A R S H Once considered transitional area. Few plants can shrubs and vines. Guarded by The dunes and upper beach are exposure t o t h e elements. Many w i t h p h y t o p l a n k t o n . Most animals o u t t o t h e ocean or i n t o worthless, salt marshes are in- t h r i v e in a salt marsh. Cordgrass, this thicket, t h e m a r i t i m e forest always in m o t i o n . W i n d b l o w n creatures visit t h e beach, b u t o t h e r marine life is d e p e n d e n t t h e relative safety of the bays. credibly valuable areas. They are salt m e a d o w hay, and s a l t w o r t is sheltered f r o m much of t h e sand and salt dictate t h e plant ghost crabs enjoy a g r e a t v i e w u p o n these t i n y plants f o r complex ecosystems d e f i n e d by are a m o n g those t h a t can. These w i n d and provides h a b i t a t f o r and animal life of this stark envi- f r o m o c e a n f r o n t burrows. survival. The oceans s u p p o r t Just beneath t h e bays' surface, in t h e constant ebb and f l o w of salt plants create shelter f o r w i l l e t some of Assateague's o t h e r resi- r o n m e n t . Less salt-tolerant plants t h e shadowy w o r l d of t h e seagrass water. Tides t r a n s p o r t nutrients and rail and h u n t i n g grounds f o r dents. W h i l e loblolly pine is t h e like beach heather and seaside OCEAN So visually compelling earth, yet 95 percent of these meadows, diverse marine life i n t o t h e marsh and detritus (de- N o r t h e r n harrier and raccoon. d o m i n a n t tree, southern w a x g o l d e n r o d hide on t h e leeward are t h e surf and ocean t h a t it is waters remains u n e x p l o r e d , thrives. Blue crabs molt, hidden in caying plants and animals) o u t Horses can o f t e n be seen g r a z i n g myrtle, A m e r i c a n holly, and red side of dunes, sheltering t h e easy t o f o r g e t h o w much hap- o f f e r i n g endless possibilities o n marsh grasses. cedar survive in t h e shaded u n - small b u t fierce d u n e w o l f spider pens beneath t h e surface. M o l e f o r discovery. as it hunts its insect prey. Plants crabs, coquina clams, and small t r a p sand, elevate dunes, a n d invertebrates t h r i v e in t h e inter- derstory. The forest is h o m e t o more t h a n half t h e species on ABOUT YOUR VISIT ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE is open year-round. Camping is allowed in designated areas only. Campers may not bring firewood from out of state. Firewood must be purchased locally. Assateague Island Visitor Center is open 9 am to 5 pm year-round except Thanksgiving Day and December 25. Here you can get information and see aquariums, a touch tank, exhibits, maps, and a film about the island's wild horses. You can register for camping and get permits for the Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone at the Campground Office on the island. Dates and hours of operation vary for the National Seashore's Toms Cove Visitor Center in Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Call 410-6411441 for information. ASSATEAGUE STATE PARK'S beach and parking lot are open year-round, 9 am to sunset. Call 410-641-2120 for camping information. I swimming surfing camfjiing fishing crabbing boating Assateague State Park ACCESSIBILITY Visitor Centers, restrooms, bookstores, and some trails are wheelchairaccessible. Service animals are welcome. Maryland's only oceanfront state park has t w o miles of beach for swimming, surfing, and fishing. Lifeguarded areas are available Memorial Day through Labor Day. The campground is open late April through October. Campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, and bathhouses with REGULATIONS Visit Seashore, Park, and Refuge websites for regulations on firearms, pets, personal watercraft, and more. Assateague Island National Seashore is one of over 390 parks in the National Park System. To learn more about national parks and National Park Service programs visit www.nps.gov. warm showers. A small number of electric hookups are available. Reservations are recommended. Alcohol is prohibited in all areas of the State Park. A park store is open seasonally, offering food and souvenirs. Pets are permitted, with restrictions, in designated areas. The marina/boat launch, located on the mainland side of the Verrazano Bridge, is a popular fishing and crabbing spot and features seasonal kayak rentals. Visit the Nature Center in the campground for live animal exhibits, arts and crafts, and family f u n . Entrance fees apply. Assateague State Park offers something for everyone. ftGPO:2011—365-615/80753 Printed on recycled paper CHINCOTEAGUE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is open year-round except December 25 and January 1. Hours vary seasonally; call 757-336-6122 for information. Assateague State Park 7307 Stephen Decatur Hwy. Berlin, MD 21811 410-641-2120 www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/eastern/assateague.asp paddling SURF AND SEASHORE SAFETY National Park Service lifeguards cover North Ocean Beach (Maryland) and Toms Cove Beach (Virginia, in the National Wildlife Refuge) in summer only. The State Park also has lifeguards in summer. Mats and floats, except U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices, are prohibited at all lifeguarded beaches. Surf conditions are posted in multiple locations near the beach. Learn about rip currents (seaward currents) atwww.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. Never swim alone. h,kmg camping clamming fishing Assateague Island National Seashore Explore the National Seashore and discover the mysteries of a barrier island. Before traveling across the Verrazano Bridge to the Maryland end of the island, begin your visit at the Assateague Island Visitor Center. Watch a film about the wild horses. The visitor center also includes restrooms, a gift shop, exhibits, aquariums, and staff to provide information and orientation. Touch a sea snail or horseshoe crab. Ask at the information desk for a Junior Ranger booklet and have some family f u n . Enjoy the park roads by bike. Observe wild horses feeding in the salt marsh. During summer, visit the Beach Hut for supplies and beverages and swim at the lifeguarded Korth Ocean Beach. Camping is available year-round and reservations are encouraged April 15 through October 15. Expect rustic Prevent overexposure to sunlight w i t h sunscreen or protective clothing. Biting insects are abundant spring through autumn. Insect repellent and/or protective clothing are recommended. c o swirpmmg conditions, vault toilets, and cold water showers. Electric hookups are not provided. Pets are permitted in designated areas. Avid paddlers and hikers should not miss the backcountry camping experience. The Over Sand Vehicle (OSV) zone provides an adventurous getaway (permit required). Nature trails, beachcombing, and ranger-led programs will bring back childhood memories, while guided kayak tours and campfire programs will make new ones. Entrance fees apply. Assateague Island National Seashore 7206 National Seashore La. Berlin, MD 21811 410-641-1441 www.nps.gov/asis Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (A <D c • ^™ (A CD C (Z Q. 1 2£ Originally established to protect migratory birds, the refuge today is a destination for birders, beachcombers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Careful management of freshwater pools and marshes provides ideal habitat and feeding areas for migratory waterf o w l , shorebirds, and other wetland-dependent species. The refuge is a paradise for birders and photographers. Walk or bike Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge 8231 Beach Rd. Chincoteague, VA 23336 757-336-6122 http://chinco.fws.gov the trails to catch a glimpse of the rare Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel or the Chincoteague "ponies." Drive the Wildlife Loop around Snow Goose Pool between 3 pm and dusk. Expect the Toms Cove hook to be closed during the nesting season of the threatened piping plover. Visit the Refuge-operated Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center and the National Seashore-operated Toms Cove Visitor Center for exhibits, programs, and assistance. There is no camping in the Refuge, so check in the nearby community of Chincoteague. A lifeguarded beach is available Memorial Day to Labor Day. Pets are prohibited. Entrance fees apply.