Sand Dunes Of America
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a national park near Alamosa
Formation of the sand dunes
Sand dunes national park was formed when sand from the mountains blew around the Alamosa valley until reaching the mountains, the rocky terrain gave the sand places to build dunes, When it snows during the winter, the Medano creek and other smaller creeks prevent the sand from leaving the area we now know as the sand dunes, as it brings it back to the front of the park, where it can be blown again when the creek dries up during the summer.
History of the Sand Dunes
Early History
The great sand dunes have been a place of cultural importance for a very long period of time, according to the great sand dunes national park history department, "The oldest evidence of humans in the area dates back to 11,000 years ago" the department found many spearheads and arrowheads from early nomadic hunters of mammoth in the park. Great sand dunes more recent Native Americans have visited the are often because of the sacred religious importance of the Blanca peak to the navajo. The department of history and culture state "The Ute also have a word for the dunes "Saa waap maa nache" 'which means sand that moves" according to the department the "[For the] Tewa/Tiwa-speaking pueblos along the Rio Grande, it is a different spiritual link." they use the word "Sip'ophe" meaning "Sandy Place". Many stripped ponderosa pine trees resign in the park.
Spain and the conquistadors
Spaniards "discovered" the area 400 years ago and explored it for many years. They described many species, including the sand dunes tiger beetle, and lots of plants not before seen. They provided lots of culture and history to the park today
Westward expansion
The area was described in the journals of Zebulon Pike. Pike wrote this about the area "After marching some miles, we discovered ... at the foot of the White Mountains [today’s Sangre de Cristos] which we were then descending, sandy hills…When we encamped, I ascended one of the largest hills of sand, and with my glass could discover a large river [the Rio Grande] …The sand-hills extended up and down the foot of the White Mountains about 15 miles, and appeared to be about 5 miles in width. Their appearance was exactly that of the sea in a storm, except as to color, not the least sign of vegetation existing thereon." Eventually the Herard Family built a ranch on medano creek, in 1875, and they owned the area until 1932
Establishing a National Park
The area was declared a national monument in 1932, not until 2004 did it receive the rank of national park and preserve, however only the sand is actually considered the park however some people believe that more of the area should be considered the park, as it would save the habitat of the Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle. On April 9th, 2019, the great sand dunes celebrate another achievement, it's declaration as a dark sky park. Only a few of national parks are considered dark sky parks, and its a process that requires 8 years of observations and lots of outreach and lighting initiative.
Conservaition and wildlife
Conservation At Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand dunes national park has prevented off-roading and other similar activities due to the great sand dunes tiger beetle and other important insects restricted to the area. They also Became a dark sky park in February of 2019, this means that they limited light pollution in a 50 mile radius by 60% or more! Its one of a minute few dark sky parks and helps preserve the animals of the area and their circadian rythm.
Insects of Great Sand Dunes national Park
Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle (Cincindelia theatina)
The great sand dunes tiger beetle is only found at sand dunes national park, It is a vulnerable species and it's habitat is protected. It Is a very illusive insect which is the sand dunes most popular insect
Robber Fly (Proctacanthus sp., Undescribed)
This insect has been found in the Great Sand Dunes and surrounding habitat. It is one of the largest insects documented from the area, measuring nearly 1" (2.5 cm) in length. Robber Flies do not seem to have a preference for a particular type of sandy habitat; they have been encountered in sand/grass, sand/shrub, and even bare sand environments. Robber flies are often observed foraging on other flying insects (wasps, bees, and flies) during the heat of the day, after all crawling insects have taken cover from the extreme heat of the sand.
Stag beetle (Cerchus sp.)
Many types of scarab are found by the park especially during the spring. they feed on animal waste or decaying wood or plants depending on the species
Pallid Twig Ant (Pseudomrymex pallidus)
This rare species of ant is found frequently at the dunes, which is the highest record of this species ranges (both in elevation and longitude) and it's habitat is different than any other members of it's species.
Acrobat Beetle
This beetle is commonly called the clown beetle because of its unique behavior during hot times of the day, it does cartwheels to keep it's body off the sands which can reach temperatures of 140°F (60°C).
Cotton Wood Stag beetle
Lucanus mazama also known as the cotton wood stag beetle is found around decaying cotton wood logs and trees, It is most commonly seen during the spring
Sand Wasps
Sand wasps and other wasps coat the sand dunes, digging shallow burrows and eating smaller insects, they are some of the most common insects here!
Moths
Great Sand dunes national park is home to over 100 different species of moth including hawk moths like Hyles lineata (pictured here) and an undescribed species of nocturnid moth.
Ant Like Flower Beetles
Named for their size, two of these are endemic to the dunes. They eat detritus and other small foods and travel via wind moving them around with the sand.
Cicindela
A non-protected common species found on and near the dunes, it can be found in areas where C. theatina may not favor
Map of Great Sand Dunes National park
Things To Do At The Sand Dunes
Great Sand Dunes National Park is a wonderful place for a day trip. You can sand board on the dunes in the morning, eat at the oasis restaurant nearby for lunch, Check out the visitor center in the afternoon, and watch the stars at night. During the spring is a great time to visit as it doesn't get to hot and the Medano Creek runs wide and cool through the park. Plus the Great Sand Dunes tiger beetles mate during the spring and are found scurrying about and can be found on a back country hike. Near the park in the town of Alamosa one can find many good places to eat and even a Gator Farm.
Video About Great Sand Dunes National Park
Park Safety
Great Sand Dunes national park is a great place to visit, But It Gets HOT. Upwards of 150 degrees fahrenheit sands during the summer. So it's important to ALWAYS APPLY SUNSCREEN. and you need to stay hydrated so pack LOTS of water, and CONSTANTLY BE DRINKING WATER. also remember to respect wildlife and make sure to plan your trip.
Plants Of The Park
Scurfpea
the most common leafy plant that grows on the dunefield. With tiny purple blossoms in spring, scurfpea attracts pollinating insects who seek its flowers, and other insects who simply seek its shade.
Ecosystems
Dunefeild
The dunefield with the tallest dunes in North America spreads across 30 square miles (78 sq. km), a unique high-altitude desert environment surrounded by the other ecosystems listed on this page. These dunes are a place of extremes: the sand surface can reach 150 degrees F (65 degrees C) on a summer afternoon, or drop to minus 20 degrees F (minus 29 degrees C) on a winter night. While the top few inches are often dry, these dunes are moist year-round, kept wet by ongoing precipitation. This 7% moisture content by weight allows species such as Ord's kangaroo rat, Great Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle, scurfpea, and blowout grass to survive here. Many animals visit the dunes from other habitats, including elk, pronghorn, bison, coyotes, bobcats, and raptors. Find out more about the geology of Great Sand Dunes.