Dunes & Plovers: Protecting Two Icons - Capitol Connection webinar
Who wouldn't love an adorable face like that? Those legs that pitter patter along the beach?
This is a piping plover, and if you've been to Sleeping Bear Dunes or the tip of Michigan's mitten, you may have seen them running quickly on the shoreline. With its rare and beloved freshwater dunes systems, Michigan is a great place for these birds to breed. Piping plovers love dunes to rest and nest; they love foraging for worms and insects; and they don't love being disturbed by humans.
Unfortunately, though, humans have been disturbing them. Heedless development in and around dunes—from subdivisions to parking lots—can change the shape and stability of dunes, and this hurts the plovers in turn.
But efforts are underway to protect both plovers and dunes. Vince Cavalieri, wildlife biologist at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is among those leading the charge. Megan Tinsley—Michigan Environmental Council water policy director and birder—will soon embark on a dunes protection campaign.
Join them for a half-hour discussion—and, perhaps, an adorable photo gallery—of plovers, dunes, and the work being done to protect them at our Friday Capitol Connection webinar.
Can't make the event live? Register and we'll send you a recording.
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