Malaquite Visitor Center Dunes

This Chronolog station provides long-term monitoring of the changing vegetation and dune structure along Malaquite Beach adjacent to the gulf. 

The vegetation that grows on Padre Island’s dunes plays a crucial role in stabilizing the landscape and supporting the coastal ecosystem. Sea oats, with their tall, flexible stalks, are especially important for trapping and holding sand in place. Alongside them, hardy plants like prickly pear cactus, camphor weed, and milkweed thrive in the sandy, salty environment. These plants not only anchor the dunes against erosion but also provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including pollinators and nesting species. Together, this resilient vegetation helps maintain the health and structure of the dune system.