May 2020 - Responsible Beachgoing
During extraordinary times, it’s important to be able to get outside, enjoy the sun, and (safely) explore the natural beauty of the outdoors. The newest episode of SeaTalk and our good beach behavior checklist provide some tips on how to safely enjoy natural attractions like the beach, but one important question remains: Why are natural coastal features like dunes so essential to the health of our beaches and coastlines?
Sand dunes serve as a barrier against the pounding surf, powerful wind, and violent coastal storms, as well as a natural habitat for specific fauna and flora. According to DNREC Shoreline & Waterway Management, dunes “absorb the impact of storm surge and high waves, preventing or delaying flooding of inland areas and damage to inland structures. They are also sand storage areas that supply sand to eroded beaches during storms and buffer windblown sand and salt spray.”
Various types of human activity can pose a threat to a dune’s well-being, including housing construction and development, as well as recreational traffic. In addition, sea level rise can lead to dune erosion. For more information on how you can help preserve and protect dunes and other beach natural resources, visit DNREC’s Dune Protection and Improvement page. You can also discover more safe, nature-based recreation opportunities on our page here.
Notable Dates
May is still National Bike Month, with a focus on riding “there,” whether “there” is to the grocer for essentials or to the creek and back with the kids. For more information, visit the League of American Cyclists homepage.
May 9 — The mantra of World Migratory Bird Day is “Birds Connect Our World.” To learn how to implement conservation actions that help migratory birds throughout their journey—including shorebirds—visit the official resources page.
May 10 - Americans eat more shrimp than any other seafood, so it’s only right that they have their time to shine on National Shrimp Day. For more facts and resources on healthy seafood consumption, including shrimp, visit our Seafood Health Facts page.
May 15 - Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate and learn about endangered species and how to protect them. For virtual activities and online resources, visit this page.
May 18 - International Museum Day is an annual celebration of boundless curiosity, where participating museums plan creative events and activities, engage with their public and highlight the importance of the role of museums in society. For more information, visit the official Museum Day webpage.