“It has been a great experience working with the AuSable Valley Audubon to watch over and protect piping plovers at Tawas Point State Park. Enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers are what make this work so easy and rewarding!” - Nick Theisen, Watershed Technician/GIS Specialist

Huron Pines has played a role in piping plover conservation and recovery efforts at Tawas Point State Park since 2023 by training and coordinating volunteer plover monitors in collaboration with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team.

Tawas Point was home to a single plover nest in 2023 which fledged two chicks. An additional four captive-reared plovers were released at Tawas Point by members of the conservation team that year. The site saw increased activity the following year with two nests and seven chicks fledged. Volunteer plover monitors contributed a combined 200 hours of monitoring that year, keeping watch over the sensitive birds while informing park visitors of their presence. Their efforts help ensure the future success of this endangered species.

Tawas Point State Park boasts one of the region's largest open sandy beaches, stretching over 2 miles. This area serves as a critical stopover point for many migratory birds, is recognized as an important bird area by the National Audubon Society, and is one of only two recent piping plover nesting sites along Michigan’s Lake Huron shoreline.

The plovers’ preference for undisturbed, open beach areas is threatened by human disturbance and invasive species like phragmites. Huron Pines plays a key role in protecting this habitat by treating invasive species across the region and training volunteers to monitor for invasive plants and changes in the Lake Huron shoreline.

Volunteers play a vital role in plover conservation and community members can get involved by reaching out to Huron Pines. Donations are also welcome and support ongoing community science and monitoring programs, helping to ensure the long-term success of these conservation initiatives.

Huron Pines thanks the AuSable Valley Chapter of the Audubon Society, The Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team, Michigan DNR Parks Division and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for their support. Funding is provided in part by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act. To learn how to volunteer to assist with projects like this one, visit our volunteer page.