Foredune
The first ridge behind the beach where Pioneer species like marram grass and sand reed grass help stabilize the sand with their extensive root systems. A stabilized foredune can also support wildflowers and shrubs like common milkweed, beach pea, bearberry, poison ivy, and wild grape. Cottonwood trees can also be found in this landscape.
Conditions:
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Low dune, parallel to the shoreline
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Sparse vegetation with primarily pioneer species
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hardy species which are the first to colonize an area and begin ecological succession
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Periods of drought
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Storm waves
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Alternating periods of sand burial and erosion
Sources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan State University Extension, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake Michigan Coatal Program