Sable Island is not a desert island. Rain and snow seeping into the sand form an underground reservoir. Small ponds appear at a few sites between stabilized dunes. Although they shrink in dry seasons, the ponds are an important source of fresh water.

Freshwater ponds survive on Sable Island only because Marram has stabilized the sand dunes and kept ocean waves from flooding in. Without this permanent fresh water supply, the horses could not survive.
Round-leaved Sundew Drosera rotundifolia
At the pond edge, the presence of Sundews tells us that nutrients such as nitrates are scarce. The Sundew's sticky leaf pads capture insects, an extra source of nitrogen.
Blue Flag Iris versicolor

Water Boatman
Sigara decoloratella

Life in this sheltered habitat is plentiful and diverse. You may recognize these plants and animals from ponds in your area.