Join us for a presentation and expert panel discussion about the presence of the overwintering flock of Western Snowy Plovers at Seabright Beach–the science behind their survival, and the inspiring grassroots dune restoration efforts transforming our coastline right here at Seabright Beach! Topics include:
- Natural History & Lifecycle: An in-depth look at Western Snowy Plover behavior, identification, biology, and historical population recovery goals in the Monterey Bay area.
- Protection & Threats: Discussion on key threats—such as habitat loss, non-native plants, human disturbance, and heavy predation pressure from crows, ravens, gulls, and foxes.
- Federal Recovery & Management: Reviewing the Pacific Coast population’s listing under the Endangered Species Act in 1993, its status as a California species of special concern since 1978.
- Ecosystem Restoration & Native Dunes: Special presentations from Groundswell Ecology on the Seabright Beach Coastal Enhancement Project—highlighting how infrastructure, restoration, and dune building protect shorelines and keep plovers returning year after year.
REGISTER HERE
Ticket Price: $12 General | $8 Students
Discounts: $5 Member discount
About the Speakers:
- Portia Halbert: Portia Halbert is the Natural Resources Program Manager with the Santa Cruz District of California State Parks. For 26 years she has been part of a resource management team who manage parkland and restore habitat in the 70,000 acres of Parks in Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.
- Will Duncan: Forestry Technician with California State Parks’ Santa Cruz District and the District’s lead Western Snowy Plover Biologist. Will has participated in the Western Snowy Plover Conservation Program, conducting surveys on state beaches across Santa Cruz and San Mateo counties.
- Dr. Bill Henry Dr. Bill Henry (Ph.D. UCSC) is founding director of Groundswell Coastal Ecology and co-leads the Monterey Bay Living Shoreline Program. For the past decade he has led restoration at Seabright Beach. He advises California State Parks and the City of Santa Cruz on climate adaptation and living shorelines.
- Snowy Plover Guardians: These dedicated California State Parks volunteers share their passion for snowy plovers through public education and outreach—promoting responsible beach recreation to protect these threatened birds and their coastal habitat.
Accessibility and Logistics:
This program will take place indoors at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History. Seating will be provided, and light refreshments will be available.
Feel free to bring a notebook and something to write with if you’d like to take notes during the talk. Come with any questions you’d like to ask during the Q&A.
Parking is available on Pilkington and street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. Parking permits will not be required for this nighttime event. Please allow a few extra minutes to find parking and get settled before the program begins.
