Places, Traditions and Discoveries · Drawing 09 of 40
The islands’ sand dunes
On the Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Magdalen Islands), wind shapes the sand dunes. Tall grasses help keep the sand in place.
Look together
What colour will you choose for the sand?
An idea to try
On a drawing of dunes, trace an imaginary route with your finger that goes around the clumps of grass.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The Îles-de-la-Madeleine’s dunes are environments where sand and plants interact. American beachgrass, locally called foin de dune, plays an important role. Its long leaves slow wind near the ground, helping sand grains settle. Its underground parts also help hold sand in place.
The local organization Attention FragÎles documents these environments and carries out restoration work. Look at the grass clumps as an important part of the landscape. Imagine a route that lets people admire the dunes without trampling the plants.
Sources and illustration notes (2)
Stylized dunes and plants; the grasses are not a botanical identification guide.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Attention FragÎles — Guide de formation sur les milieux des Îles-de-la-MadeleinePage 9 : feuilles freinant le vent et favorisant le dépôt du sable, racines et tiges souterraines stabilisatrices; sensibilité au piétinement.
- Attention FragÎles — Restauration dunaire, rapport 2017–2018Section Plantation : rôle de l’ammophile à ligule courte et travaux de revégétalisation des dunes.
Source review: 2026-09-12. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
