Barrier islands are special places. Continually changing, they provide habitat for wildlife and buffer the mainland from storms. Near the water, plants such as sea oats and cordgrass, which are tolerant of high salt levels, flourish.
This is one of the entrance walkways to the picnic area at Opal Beach.
There are a number of picnic shelters at the beach service area.
The fence on the right of the photograph is put in place to promote dune formation.