Snowy Plover Docent Program

Description

The Western Snowy Plover is a tiny, threatened shorebird in need of our help. Habitat destruction and increased human recreation on beaches have caused dramatic declines in this population in the past few decades, leading to their
protection under the Endangered Species Act.

The Snowy Plover Docent Program was initiated in August 2001 and takes place at Coal Oil Point Reserve, located in Santa Barbara, California and is one of 34 University of California Reserves. The program recruits, trains, and organizes volunteers to become plover docents. Each docent plays a crucial role in the protection of the plovers by educating beach users about this threatened species and how to use the beach responsibly. Docents provide a personal and friendly contact for beach users. They promote public interest and understanding, and in turn, dramatically increase the effectiveness of other management efforts at Coal Oil Point Reserve.