The Coastal Dunes of the West

The Coastal Dunes of the West are natural landforms formed by wind and sand along the Pacific coast, primarily in California, Oregon, and Washington. These dunes develop as winds deposit sand from beaches inland, creating undulating ridges and hills. They serve as important habitats for plants and wildlife, protect inland areas from storms and erosion, and act as natural buffers between the ocean and land. Human activity, climate change, and development threaten these fragile ecosystems, making their conservation vital for environmental health and coastal resilience.