An Area of Diverse Habitats Back Bay Refuge habitats support a wide variety of plant and animal life. Marshlands, which include more than 75 percent of the Refuge, are found within several large impoundments and on the Bay islands. This productive, protected marshland contains valuable wildlife food plants such as three-square, smartweed, and spikerushes. The shifting sands of the barrier beach are constantly exposed to ocean waves, currents, and tides. No vegetation can withstand these powerful forces, but ghost crabs, gulls, and migrating shorebirds are common here.
Sand dunes form a line of defense, protecting marsh and woodlands from high tides and storms.
Like the beach, the dunes are exposed to the powerful forces of nature. However, dunes are able to support vegetation which helps to stabilize the sandy soil. Wax myrtle, highbush blueberry, bayberry, wild black cherry, and persimmon dominate Refuge shrublands. Woodlands consist mostly of live oak and loblolly pines. Shrubland and woodland habitats are found in areas of higher elevation, where the soil is well drained and the harsh effects of the ocean are not as dramatic.