Coastal Heathlands

Coastal Heathlands consist of low shrub communities dominated by the heath family of plants. Heathlands may occur as small patches within pine barrens or grasslands, or they may extend over large areas and envelop small grasslands and Scrub Oak barrens. Heathlands are extensive on Nantucket. On Cape Cod they are abundant from Eastham to Truro. Fire suppression, residential development and natural succession into woodlands have made heathlands a rare habitat on Cape Cod. The natural beauty of heathlands attracts tourism and conserving these areas insures the economic benefits.

Heathlands provide a habitat to similar species that are found in sandplain grasslands. Grasslands and heathlands are home to the Regal Fritillary butterfly.