Title:

Restoration of Native Plant Communities in Sand Dune Systems of Plum Island, Newbury, Massachusetts

The impacts of Superstorm Sandy on the eastern coast of the United States have emphasized the need for resilient sand dunes. Dunes are dominated by American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata) but a host of other native species commonly occur in these systems and provide habitat diversity. Unlike the other taxa in the dune community, A. breviligulata is susceptible to dune dieout, a fastmoving scourge that kills large patches of plants. Multi-species plantings are not often included in dune restoration efforts and may benefit sites where dune dieout is a concern. The goal of this study was to explore the importance of richness on dune resiliency by planting other native species (Solidago sempervirens, Lathyrus japonicus, and Cakile edentula), along with A. breviligulata, to stabilize and revegetate dunes on the north shore of Massachusetts. Field experiments were used to determine which of the selected species are best suited for restoration based on transplant survivorship and increases in percent cover of all taxa. The sand accretion potential of three experimental planting treatments was also examined: 1) single species, 2) two species), and 3) four species. Percentage cover was compared between control sites, restoration areas, and dunes exhibiting signs of dieout. Results of the three planting efforts indicate that S. sempervirens and L. japonicus are suitable for restoration plantings in terms of survivorship. However, relative sand accretion increased across all sites and was not significantly affected by the treatments. Percent cover was greatest in the reference sites compared to the restoration and dieout areas, while species richness was greatest in dieout areas.

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