Western Snowy Plover Research

The Western Snowy Plover is a threatened shorebird that breeds along the west coast of the U.S. Since 2003, we've worked with two regional projects to help increase their numbers in the Bay Area. Plovers nest on dry former salt evaporation ponds in the South Bay on soil that is often very dark brown or red, which makes light colored plovers and their nests stand out for predators such as ravens, gulls, and red foxes.  ​

---

We removed posts and other objects that predators like to perch on as well as vegetation that was encroaching on nesting habitat. We also spread oyster shells on the pond bottoms that camouflage plovers during the breeding season, and during the late winter we hold a Plover Stomp when volunteers stomp in the mud to create depressions and texture that allow plovers to blend in better with their surroundings. 

Habitat Restoration Volunteer Application