These embryonic sand dunes formed at the top of the cliff's edge then begin to gain in girth. As the growing dunes reach a substantial size they are blown by subsequent strong gales and begin to migrate up to a half a mile south onto the the deep woods. The underlying endowments of sand are then resculpted into many forms of coastal dunes and swales. The Grandifolia Sandhills are thought to be the last example of a migrating dune system on a coastal bluff in New York State. It sends out fine roots to grasp the small inert grains of silicate and quartz, pioneering a Maritime Dune community which is listed as rare by the New York State Natural Heritage Program.
Lichens are friendly relationships between alga and fungi whereby they grow in a plant-like form.
It is a pioneer plant forming a ground cover over inhospitable sand, stabilizing it temporarily. Insects and other tiny organisms find shelter from the sun and wind in and amongst it. Fox dislodge the lichen patches, retrieving the insects as food morsels. As the lichen bodies themselves decay they further enrich the soil. The patches of initial ground cover provide a small, comfortable nursery for acorns and pine cones.