Snowy Plover Interpretive Walk – Sitka Sedge State Natural Area (RSVP required)

Why Western Snowy Plovers?

The Pacific coast population of Western Snowy Plovers has been in decline for several decades due to loss of habitat and disturbances from development, recreation, and other human pressures. In Oregon, the population hit a low of about 50 individuals in the early 1990s. Subsequently this species was listed as threatened under the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1993. 

Due to targeted recovery efforts in Oregon, mostly focused on the south and central coast, the bird has bounced back to a few hundred individuals and are starting to recolonize traditional north coast nesting sites. 

Plover Patrol engages communities to monitor plovers on the north coast, helping Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Portland Audubon track where Plovers are and how they are recovering to inform management.