As you begin your trek over the boardwalk, be on the lookout for tracks, trails, and burrows of the animals that call the dunes home; the burrow of a gopher tortoise perhaps, or the track of a bobcat. As you walk towards the ocean you will see the vegetation change from palm and bay to palmetto scrub, then wildflowers and sea oats. If you are visiting in the winter months you may be lucky enough to spot an endangered Right Whale just offshore. Above you a Brown Pelican may be flying or diving for fish. As you look south you will see 24 miles of undeveloped beach, the longest stretch of natural coastline on the east coast of Florida. The dune system that is the backbone of the barrier island remains intact here in the seashore and changes with the winds and tides. Dunes are dynamic in that sand is brought in with the the wind and sometimes taken out with the tide. The dunes here at Canaveral change season to season and year after year. Remember it as you see it now--the next time you come back it may look completely different. In the summer months you will see yellow stakes near the dunes. These indicate the location of sea turtle nests that have been protected with screens to prevent raccoons from eating the eggs. We have over 5,000 nests along our shore each summer. You may find a treasured seashell to take home as a reminder of your trip here today. But only take those that have no one living inside. We hope you come to visit your National Seashore often!