Catherine LaPorta, Wendy Lascell, Kali Ticehurst

Vulnerability to erosional events for NJ beachfront homeowners varies. Major factors influencing this vulnerability are the landscaping choices made by homeowners on their private property and on the management of beaches and dunes by the municipality. Previous studies show that residents’ landscaping choices are largely influenced by a sense of protection provided (or lack thereof) by the presence of dunes and wide beaches on municipally-managed property. The cultural landscape typically includes lush green lawns, flowering plants, and ornamental shrubs. But, in a coastal environment these choices are unsustainable. Data collected in April 2022, of beachfront property in the municipality of Beach Haven, NJ is analyzed to determine any correlations between landscaping choices and municipal management of beaches and dunes. This data will be compared with data from 2002 to identify any consistency or changes to previously-identified patterns. Rising sea level and increased storm activity between 2002 and 2022, including Hurricane Sandy in 2012, may have influenced protective landscaping choices of homeowners. If more properties include protective landscaping, it can be implied that there is an increased awareness of the effects of climate change. This analysis will contribute to the growing body of work on impacts of climate change and sustainable management of coastal areas.