In eastern Canada, the common sand dollar (Echinarachnius parma) forms dense groups called beds that occur from shallow intertidal waters out to the offshore continental shelves (Figure 17). Contrary to their name, sand dollars are found in a range of sediment types, from coarse gravelly sand to fine silt.

Sand dollars can't live away from water. It's illegal in the state of Florida to take a living sand dollar out of its natural habitat and home with you (just like any other living organisms you may find in shells). If you find a live one, gently place it back in the water near where you found it.

As it can sometimes be difficult to determine whether or not a sand dollar still lives, it's always best to leave them where they were found," he said. But if one is found and simply must be kept, be 100 percent sure that it is no longer a living being and the sand dollar's body is actually dead.

Sand dollars can represent many things spiritually including choosing your own path, strength, flexibility, and freedom. Choosing your own path- sand dollars represent freedom and the ability to walk away from environments or people that are no longer working for you.