Snowy Plover Guardian

The Plover Guardians is a joint effort between the Monterey Audubon Society and California State Parks to protect Western Snowy Plovers with the help of volunteers.

Plover Guardians focus on education and outreach to inform the public about the rules and regulations in place at our sandy beaches. They share their love of plovers with the public and encourage responsible recreation to protect our native plant and animal species.

These efforts support the work done by Point Blue Snowy Plover researchers, State Park’s law enforcement, and the natural resources staff who all work to maintain the delicate sandy shore habitat and monitor Snowy Plovers.

Our Goal

Encourage public stewardship of coastal ecosystems and to promote responsible recreation practices that protect native species, especially the Western Snowy Plover, a Federally Threatened shore bird that nests and overwinters on our beaches.

Duties

Duties for Plover Guardians include:

• Giving out brochures and information focusing on plovers at events and when tabling at beach access points
• Encouraging beach visitors to follow park rules (particularly around where they can recreate and dog leash rules)
• Educate beach visitors about our wonderful shorebird

Trainings currently happen twice a year: In Spring (around March) and Fall (around October).

This opportunity is self-schedule, with a minimum of 8 hours a month to remain an active volunteer.