NEWPORT, Ore.— Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition and the Center for Biological Diversity will lead a beach cleanup Saturday at Ona Beach in support of endangered western snowy plovers. The beach cleanup follows Fourth of July festivities, on what’s known as the dirtiest beach day of the year.

Ona Beach is an active nesting site for the beloved Oregon shorebirds. There may be opportunities for binocular viewing of plover nest sites.

What: Ona Beach cleanup to support western snowy plovers.

When: Saturday, July 5, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sign up to attend.

Where: Check in at the Ona Beach parking lot, Brian Booth State Park, Seal Rock, OR, 97376.

Who: Surfrider Foundation, Oregon Shores Conservation Coalition, the Center for Biological Diversity and western snowy plover lovers.

Background

Ornamented in buff and pale feathers, western snowy plovers often go unnoticed among the sand dunes where they live. Developers have targeted the open sandy beaches favored by the shy, pocket-size birds for destructive projects. In addition, beachgoers often scare plovers away from their nests, leaving chicks and eggs vulnerable to both predators and the elements.

The bird’s once-decimated population has increased by more than 50% since the species and its habitat were protected under the Endangered Species Act, reducing nest-site destruction and harassment.