*Photo by Ali Berman, Bird Alliance of Oregon*

This spring, rural classrooms in Tillamook County learned all about Snowy Plovers, a threatened shorebird species that spends the breeding season on many Oregon beaches. While Snowy Plovers are federally listed as threatened, they are making a comeback on the Oregon Coast thanks to effective management tactics as well as public education efforts. Through a grant provided by the Oregon Conservation and Recreation Fund, our education volunteers participated as part of a team under the leadership of Bird Alliance of Oregon to help raise awareness of the adorable little birds in five classrooms.

These tiny shorebirds nest on the dry sand portion of the beach, making them highly susceptible to nest failure. As more and more human activities take place on the beach, we have crowded out Snowy Plovers, causing a massive dip in population. Our project included making artwork for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department signage to be used near nesting sites.

Approximately 80 sixth graders at Nestucca K-8 and Neah-Kah-Nie Middle School made artwork illustrating best practices around Snowy Plover nesting areas, which include staying out of roped-off areas, picking up trash, keeping dogs leashed, and not flying kites or drones. The students were led by a team of artists and educators including our own science illustrator, Nora Sherwood. The students participated in a field trip on April 11 to Cape Lookout State Park to check out local shorebirds and the signs that are now deployed near active nests at Sitka Sedge and Bayocean.