A maritime forest is an ocean coastal wooded habitat found on higher ground than dune areas within range of salt spray.[1] They can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Northwest coasts of the United States.[2][3] The maritime forests of the southeast U.S. are often laurel forests. They can also be found in areas of South-East Asia, for example Chek Jawa, a wetland reserve which also features a maritime forest as one of the independent ecosystem.

Miguel Lillo Park, a maritime forest nature preserve in Necochea, Argentina.

Flora

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High winds, salt spray, and sandy soil provide a harsh environment for plant life. Maritime forests are composed of deciduous, coniferous, and broadleaf evergreens. Trees in maritime forests include the southern sugar maple,[4] swamp dogwood,[4] mockernut hickory,[4] white ash,[5] and the white poplar.[6] Many plants in the maritime forests have a natural waxy coating to protect them from the salt spray. Most of the plants found in maritime forests are evergreens and shrubs.

Fauna

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Animals that live in these forests include foxes, deer, rabbits, tree frogs, raccoons, toads, and painted buntings.

Places

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Some places where maritime forests can be found are: Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Necochea (Argentina), Jekyll Island (Georgia), and on almost all barrier islands, such as the Currituck Banks Reserve[7] in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Hill, K. (16 July 2002). "Maritime Hammock Habitats". Smithsonian Marine Station. Archived from the original on 6 October 2009. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  2. ^ Olson, Donald (23 July 2014). The Pacific Northwest Garden Tour. Timber Press. ISBN 9781604694512.
  3. ^ a b c Russell, Alice B. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (A-E)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 14 June 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  4. ^ Russell, Alice B. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (F-J)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 9 July 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  5. ^ Russell, Alice P. "Trees of the Maritime Forest (P-Z)". North Carolina State University. Archived from the original on 23 July 2010. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  6. ^ "Currituck Banks Reserve". Archived from the original on 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2020-10-15.
  7. ^ US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. "What is a maritime forest?". oceanservice.noaa.gov. Archived from the original on 2020-10-17. Retrieved 2020-10-15.