How to Save Piping Plovers
One of the most rewarding things about teaching for Nature Links is working with participants to plan and teach their own classes. Adults with disabilities are not often put into the driver’s seat, encouraged to take leadership roles, or asked to teach others. But Nature Links participants are inherently curious people, with interests that range far beyond my own and knowledge to share with us all. This week, we were lucky enough to have one of our participants share that curiosity and knowledge with us during her class on piping plovers.
Piping plovers are small shorebirds named for their sweet-toned, delicate whistle. Although populations of piping plovers are steadily increasing (largely due to extensive conservation efforts, specifically in the birds’ breeding habitat in the Northeast U.S.), these birds are endangered. Plovers lay their eggs in shallow holes on open beaches and dunes, making them highly vulnerable to disturbance or destruction by humans, predators, or rising sea levels.
When Derian read about plovers in a magazine, she was drawn to their tiny stature and their round, dark eyes. She became concerned about their survival and chose to share important information with other Nature Links participants about how to save these special birds. “I decided to teach a class on plovers because we need to know how to help them so they don’t become extinct,” she said.
Derian used both books and internet resources to research the piping plover habitat, diet, and nesting habits. She found wonderful photos to share with us and even played a video created by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about piping plover conservation efforts on beaches in Massachusetts. “I enjoyed teaching a class, and I enjoyed hearing a lot from people about what they learned. I think teaching a class is a good opportunity to share,” she said.
Education efforts such as Derian’s class can be an effective strategy in helping to save the piping plover. When more people understand how to avoid disturbing plover nests, these vulnerable birds have a better chance of successful reproduction and survival. While 2021 was a record year for piping plovers in Maine (125 plover pairs fledging 213 chicks), plovers have a long way to go before their future is secure. Thank you to Derian for teaching us all about these important and incredible birds.
