Walk and Workshop: Coastal Plants, Animals and Processes with Paul Hosier 

Meet at Topsail Beach Sound Side Beach Access Site #1, Surf City, NC 28445. (Drive south to basically the end of the island!)

This field trip will explore the undisturbed dunes and marshes on the southernmost tip of Topsail Beach. The trip will engage you in 1) observing the area’s natural environments; 2) interpreting natural coastal processes that dominate the coast—including the impacts of coastal development; and 3) learning the names, characteristics, and lifestyles of the native plants and animals.

As we traverse the primary and secondary dunes, shrub thickets, and ocean margin, we will observe, identify, and discuss the plants and animals found in the region and consider the natural processes that influence our coastal denizens. If you are considering trekking the Outer Banks portion of the MST, this is a “must” field trip for you. After completing this coastal exploration, your knowledge and understanding of coastal processes and organisms will be expanded and certainly contribute to your enjoyment of the MST. 

Paul Hosier is a coastal plant ecologist and long-time MST member. He was a professor of biology at UNC-Wilmington for 41 years and is currently a professor emeritus there.  He taught general ecology, barrier island ecology, and coastal management. Paul has conducted research along the coasts of NC, SC and GA to study the effects of hurricanes on vegetation, the effects of off-road vehicles on coastal processes and vegetation, and many other studies that were integral to the understanding of coastal systems.  He is the author of Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas; A New Guide for Plant Identification and Use in the Coastal Landscape.

Paul is willing to stick around and answer questions prior to the reception.