Cape Lookout National Seashore is a low, narrow, ribbon of sand running from Ocracoke Inlet on the northeast to Beaufort Inlet on the southwest. These barrier islands-56 miles long-consist mostly of wide, bare beaches with low dunes covered by scattered grasses, flat grasslands bordered by dense vegetation, and large expanses of salt marsh alongside the sound.

Each of these ecosystems supports its own distinct set of flora and fauna.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Strong winds move sand from the inner part of the island toward the ocean, producing this streaking effect on the beach.

The Beach

Worn smooth by the ceaseless movement of the ocean, the beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, fishing, camping, and shelling.

Although they may look flat and barren, beaches provide vital nesting and feeding grounds for birds and sea turtles.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

Dunes play a vital role in the protection of the middle and sound side of the island.

Dunes

Sand dunes, found adjacent to the beach, protect the interior of the island from much of the damages of wind and waves.

The grasses on these dunes are among the most important species on the island because their root systems stabilize the dunes, allowing them to build and grow. Some birds use this area as nesting and feeding grounds and lizards, snakes, and nutria can all be found in the section of the island.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

South Core Banks boasts wide sections of these grassy fields.

The Grassland

This relatively flat section of the barrier island can be found leeward of the primary and secondary dunes. Although it is somewhat protected by the dunes, large storms or heavy rains often bring salt water to this area, limiting the ability of woody vegetation to survive. This area may eventually become the site of new dunes.

Many small birds and reptiles can be found in this area as well as wild horses, nutria, raccoons, and other terrestrial mammals.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

These trees were planted by Boy Scouts in the 1950s and 1960s and so they are not a true (natural) maritime forest.

The (False) Maritime Forest

Protected from saltspray and storms by the dunes, forested areas can sometimes be found between the marshes and the dune line. The forest on South Core Banks, however, is not a true--naturally occurring--maritime forest. Only Shackleford Banks and Harkers Island contain true maritime forests.

The softwood forest in the lighthouse area on South Core Banks was planted by volunteers from the Boy Scouts in 1950s and 1960s. Still, it provides a view of the plant and animal life found in the forest section of a natural barrier island. 

The forest is a prime spot to find many biting insects including ticks and mosquitoes. Raccoons, snakes, lizards, nutria, and several species of birds are also found in these forests and, on Shackleford Banks, horses can sometimes be found among the trees.

Cape Lookout National Seashore

The waters of Core Sound seep into the salt marshes, partially submerging the grasses at high tide.

The Salt Marsh

Lying closest to the sound--the body of water between a barrier island and the mainland--the salt march is one of the most diverse ecosystems on an island.

The marsh grasses (many of which belong to the Spartina genus) provide food for many insects as well as the Shackleford horses. In the late fall, the grasses begin to die and turn brown. As the dead plant material is broken down by bacteria, fungi, and algae, it becomes a source of food for the crabs, shrimp, fish, and other bottom-dwelling organisms. 

The salt marsh is also a vital nursery for many species of fish and crustaceans. Food is abundant and young animals are able to hide from predators in the grasses.

Many species of birds can be found in the marsh feeding on the insects, fish, crabs, and other invertebrates that live there.