Annual Salt Pond Mud Stomp: One small step for plover lovers, one giant leap for ploverkind

Join PRBO plover biologists and our partners from the Department of Fish and Wildlife at the Moss Landing Wildlife Area salt ponds to view and help Federally Threatened Snowy Plovers and other shorebirds as they begin nesting. Put on rubber boots and walk along the margins of the drying ponds to create depressions that the plovers will then use as nest sites. You will also participate in a habitat enhancement exercise by spreading oyster shells on the otherwise barren pond floor. The footprints and shell debris provide much needed camouflage for flightless chicks and eggs.  Meet by 9am at California Department of Fish & Wildlife Moss Landing Wildlife Area, located on the east side of Highway 1 immediately north of Elkhorn Slough. Bring rubber boots (we will have many available if you don't have your own), sun protection (hat, sunscreen), warm clothing (in case the fog rolls in), & binoculars or just your keen eyes!