A maritime forest is an ocean coastal wooded habitat found on higher ground than dune areas within range of salt spray. [1] They can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Northwest coasts of the United States. [2] [3] The maritime forests of the southeast U.S. are often laurel forests. They can also be found in areas of South-East Asia, for example Chek Jawa, a wetland reserve which also features a maritime forest as one of the independent ecosystem.
High winds, salt spray, and sandy soil provide a harsh environment for plant life. Maritime forests are composed of deciduous, coniferous, and broadleaf evergreens. Trees in maritime forests include the southern sugar maple, [4] swamp dogwood, [4] mockernut hickory, [4] white ash, [5] and the white poplar. [6] Many plants in the maritime forests have a natural waxy coating to protect them from the salt spray. Most of the plants found in maritime forests are evergreens and shrubs along with a low population on pitcher plants.[ citation needed ]
Animals that live in these forests include foxes, deer, rabbits, tree frogs, raccoons, toads, silver-back gorillas, and painted buntings.[ citation needed ]
Some places where maritime forests can be found are: Bald Head Island (North Carolina), Necochea (Argentina), Jekyll Island (Georgia), and on almost all barrier islands, such as the Currituck Banks Reserve [7] in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. [8]