Vnn Buren County is home to acres of sand dunes. Lake Michigan's shoreline contains the largest assemblage of freshwater dunes in the world. Part of the rich biological heritage of the Great Lakes, the dunes are one of the earth's natural wonders. The dunes are rare, internationally important landforms.

Their uniqueness comes from their important plant and wildlife species. Most importantly,the dunes are significant because of their proximity to freshwater, and the variety of environmental settings and microclimates they support. According to The Nature Conservancy, “The sand dunes of the Great Lakes support more unique species and communities than any other part of the (Great
Lakes) system.”

Not everything is known about these dunes yet, but valuable research continues to contribute to our knowledge of climate, animal and plant interrelationships, endangered species, exotic species and healing properties of plants.

Dunes evolve from barren sand at the water's edge to dune grass slopes of marram and sand reed, grasses that “catch” blowing sand and slowly build the dunes. Over time, shrubs such as red osierhigher dogwood and sand cherry occupy the increasingly higher dune hills until trees take root. Eventually, the dunes evolve into a mature forest. This
succession creates distinct dune zones—beach, foredune, trough, and backdune—that support specific plant and animal communities. Dunes are an uncommon collection of plants and wildlife in a very unique setting.

The dunes shoreline is an increasingly attractive place to live. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that population in Lake Michigan coastal counties in all four surrounding states has risen by 177,240 people between 1990 and 1997. This represents 11.5% of the total population increase in the four states that surround Lake Michigan in less than a
decade and the trend is expected to continue. As more people are attracted to live near Lake Michigan, it will be increasingly important to protect the shoreline’s unique quality of life.