Bands of wild horses freely roam amongst plants and native animals that have adapted to a life of sand, salt and wind. Special thickened leaves and odd shapes reveal the plant world�s successful struggle here. Ghost crabs buried in the cool beach sand and tree swallows plucking bayberries on their southward migration offer glimpses of the animal world�s connection to Assateague.

Human struggles are intertwined with this island at the ocean�s edge. Gallant surf rescues by the US Life-Saving Service and dashed dreams of a summer beach resort are but a few of the stories told here.

Marine and terrestrial life functioning in concert offer a closer look at a natural and cultural world shaped by forces larger than our own.