National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior
Padre Island National Seashore Malaquite Pavilion and Visitor Center in November 2002
nature & science
Prairies and Grasslands
Search
Search this park
Search nps.gov
Home
Accessibility
Activities
Education Programs
For Kids
History & Culture
In Depth
Management Docs
Nature & Science
News
Plan Your Visit
Special Events
Bookstore »
Employment »
Volunteer »
Contact Us »
 
Overview
Animals
Plants
Environmental Factors
Natural Features and Ecosystems
Beaches
Coasts / Shorelines
Geologic Formations
Prairies and Grasslands
Sand Dunes
Wetlands, Marshes and Swamps
Other Life Forms
Photo Gallery
Natural Resource Management Documents
Related Links
 
Highlights
Why is Drilling Allowed at Padre Island National Seashore? »


Grasslands and vegetated blowout dunes NPS photo by Phil Slattery

Most of the island’s terrain consists of coastal prairie interspersed with ephemeral marshes and dune fields (see under Sand Dunes).  Grassland habitats are dominated by small, rolling hummocks covered with salt tolerant vegetation such as seacoast bluestem and bushy bluestem.



Related Information

Padre Island National Seashore Administrative History
Read the park's Administrative History for information on the background and founding of the park and to find out the reasoning behind the park's current policies and regulations.

NPS Scientific Research and Collecting Permit.
This permit is required for scientific activities pertaining to natural resources or social science studies in National Park System areas that involve fieldwork, specimen collection, and/or have the potential to disturb resources or visitors.
ParkNet U.S. Department of the Interior FOIA Privacy Disclaimer FirstGov