MARYLAND HIDDEN TREASURES

Assateague Island: A Wild and Wondrous Ecosystem

Assateague Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Maryland and Virginia. The island is known for its wild horses, sandy beaches, and unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of plants and animals.

The island has a rich history dating back thousands of years when it was home to the Assateague tribe of Native Americans before European settlers arrived in the 1600s. The island was used for farming, fishing, and hunting before becoming a national wildlife refuge in 1943. Today the island is managed by the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The island is about 37 miles long, with the southernmost third located in Virginia. The island is divided by the Maryland-Virginia state line, with the Maryland side of the island protected as the Assateague Island National Seashore and the Virginia side protected as the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Assateague is a unique and fragile ecosystem that includes beaches, dunes, salt marshes, bays, and water forests. The island’s habitats support a diverse array of plants and animal life, including over 320 bird species, 58 species of reptiles and amphibians, and forty species of mammals, that require careful management and protection. Visitors are encouraged to follow the “Leave NO Trace” principles, including packing out all trash. The delicate ecosystem is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including sea level rise, storm surges, and increased erosion.

The most famous residents of Assateague Island are its wild horses. These horses are believed to have been on the island for hundreds of years, and their story is a fascinating one. The origin of the horses is shrouded in mystery; however, one theory is that they were brought to the island by early settlers who used them to graze on marsh grasses. Another theory suggests the horses swam ashore after a Spanish shipwreck in the 16th century. Regardless, the horses have adapted to the harsh conditions of the island and have thrived in their natural habitat. In fact, their ability to survive harsh conditions is remarkable. They graze on the salt marsh grasses and drink from the island’s freshwater ponds and have adapted to the frequent storms and hurricanes that batter the island. Despite their rugged appearance, the horses are sensitive to human interference and protected by federal law.

Assateague Island is a wild and wondrous place that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature. The wild horses are one of the most beloved parts of the region’s history and culture. From its wild horses to its unique salt marshes, the island’s ecosystem is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the natural world. Whether you are a local or a visitor, Assateague Island and its horses are an unforgettable site that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who goes and encounters them.

Written by: Elisabeth Kirk TRC Engineering, EBP ekirk@trc-engineering.com