Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Discover NaNa Dune on Amelia Island, Florida, with Darley Newman. It is the tallest dune in Florida and a protected landmark with a powerful story of preservation. Located at historic American Beach, this 60-foot dune system reflects both the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems and the value of conservation efforts.
Darley shares the story of MaVynee Betsch, known as the Beach Lady, whose efforts helped preserve American Beach and its shoreline. A former opera performer in London, Paris, and Germany, she returned to the area in 1975 as a full-time resident and dedicated her resources and talents to conservation and to supporting the African American community of American Beach.
NaNa Dune stands as a reminder of how dunes help protect shorelines, support wildlife habitats, and preserve natural beauty for future generations. It also reflects the legacy of a woman whose passion turned history into action.
From coastal landscapes to meaningful stories, Amelia Island offers a unique blend of nature, heritage, and inspiration.
📺 Watch Travels with Darley on PBS & Streaming:
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🎧 Listen to the "Travels with Darley" Podcast:
iheart.com/podcast/53-travels-with-darley-123513653
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Instagram: instagram.com/darleynewman
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Twitter (X): https://x.com/DarleyNewman
Discover NaNa Dune on Amelia Island, Florida, with Darley Newman. It is the tallest dune in Florida and a protected landmark with a powerful story of preservation. Located at historic American Beach, this 60-foot dune system reflects both the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems and the value of conservation efforts.
Darley shares the story of MaVynee Betsch, known as the Beach Lady, whose efforts helped preserve American Beach and its shoreline. A former opera performer in London, Paris, and Germany, she returned to the area in 1975 as a full-time resident and dedicated her resources and talents to conservation and to supporting the African American community of American Beach.
NaNa Dune stands as a reminder of how dunes help protect shorelines, support wildlife habitats, and preserve natural beauty for future generations. It also reflects the legacy of a woman whose passion turned history into action.
From coastal landscapes to meaningful stories, Amelia Island offers a unique blend of nature, heritage, and inspiration.
📺 Watch Travels with Darley on PBS & Streaming:
darley-newman.com/tv-show/pbs-tv-preview
🔔 Subscribe for More Travel & History Videos:
darley.link/youtubesubscribe
🎧 Listen to the "Travels with Darley" Podcast:
iheart.com/podcast/53-travels-with-darley-123513653
📲 Follow Darley for Exclusive Travel Content:
Instagram: instagram.com/darleynewman
Facebook: facebook.com/travelswithdarley
TikTok: tiktok.com/@darleynewman
Twitter (X): https://x.com/DarleyNewman
