The Endangered Species Program protects Piping Plovers and Least Terns and their habitat in cooperation with local, state, and federal officials and the hard work of local volunteers. ESP educates the community on the need for protecting tern and plover habitat. Volunteer monitors are trained by DEC officials on how to build exclosures and erect symbolic fencing. Monitors check nest sites daily through the breeding season making sure that the birds are safe and not harassed by predators. Homeowners as well as beachgoers get involved in the process of protecting these wonderful shorebirds.
The sites covered by North Fork Audubon at this time are: Breakwater Beach, Bailey’s Beach, Nassau Point Causeway, Meadow Beach (Nature Conservancy), Goldsmith’s Inlet, Kenney’s Beach, McCabe’s Beach, Horton Point, Southold Town Beach and Gull Pond. There are a few bay sites that have not been productive in the past several years. Approximately 10 volunteers cover these sites not including involvement from homeowners. Supplies are provided by the DEC, Fish and Wildlife and Southold Town. Funding comes from the Moore Charitable Foundation and local donations.
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| Piping Plover | Least Tern |