What are Coastal Plains?

We often see the term “coastal plains” on maps, but have you ever wondered what they are exactly? This ecoregion stretches across multiple states from Florida to New Jersey and has beautiful beaches, spacious woodlands, and expansive marshes. There are tons of different species of wildlife along its shoreline, and it has fascinating features we’ll get into throughout this blog post. So keep reading to explore the vast landscape and everything to know about its unique ecoregion.

Definition of the Coastal Plains Ecoregion

Coastal plains have a huge reach in regional space. It stretches along almost the entire southeastern coast of the United States! The coastal plains have wetlands, beaches, bays, and estuaries with a mild, humid climate. It’s an incredibly fascinating ecosystem, from the marshes of Georgia to the pine forests of the Carolinas. It’s also a critical component of the economy of the United States. This is because the coastal plains provide a variety of natural resources, such as seafood and timber. Additionally, it offers traditional recreational activities for locals, such as fishing and hunting.

Related Article: Understanding Coastal vs. Continental Climate

Types of Vegetation Found in the Coastal Plains

Considering the coastal plain’s unique climate and landscape, the types of vegetation there are extremely diverse. It has vast forests of oak trees and longleaf pines while also being known for its grasslands. Grasslands are where native grasses thrive and provide nutrition for wildlife. But, of course, you also can’t forget the bodies of water! Freshwater lakes, rivers, and oceans are great places for vegetation like mangroves and seagrasses.

Common Animal Species in the Area

When exploring the coastal plains, you can encounter diverse animal species groups. Expect to see foxes, black bears, alligators, white-tail deer, and tons of different bird life, like brown pelicans and great egrets. If you find yourself in more of the marine side of the coastal plains, don’t be surprised to see manatees, dolphins, and even sea turtles! There are tons of different animal species in this ecoregion that make it a must-visit place for nature lovers.

Climate and Weather Patterns of the Coastal Plains

As we’ve previously mentioned, the coastal plains’ climate can vary. But their humid temperatures tend to bring frequent rain and thunderstorms. There also can be intense heat waves in the summer months. Moreover, tropical storms and hurricanes hit the coastal regions from June – November. However, considering this region’s changing weather patterns, it still yields many benefits for longer growing vegetation seasons.

Related Article: How to Make My Home More Coastal

Human Impact on the Coastal Plains

The coastal plains are so unique and beautiful that it’s hard to imagine they could someday not be on this planet. The human population has unfortunately impacted this region with its economic developments and brought destruction to habitats. Things like overfishing, pollution, and coastal erosion can’t be ignored. Make sure to think about your carbon footprint and how as an individual, you can help protect our natural resources like the coastal plains. Then in a concerted effort, we can ensure that this ecosystem remains thriving for years to come.

Summary

The coastal plains are grand and stretch across multiple eastern states in the US with diverse vegetation and animal species. Its climate is mainly humid and warm with the occasional tropical storm but stays mild during winter. Overall, the coastal plains are full of beauty, and with the help of being environmentally conscious, humans can help preserve their ecological integrity! To add a similar coastal flair to your living space, consider checking out Bella Coastal Décor! They have all the beachy décor you’d need to live in a coastal plains aesthetic.