Nest Site Restoration

Nest Site Restoration is an annual undertaking that we do from September - February for the endangered species that migrate here over the summer!

Restoration is usually the act of removing invasive and non-native plants from an area, and then re-planting native plants into that area. In our particular case, restoration is to return the nesting sites for our endangered species (Least Terns and Snowy Plovers) back to sandy dune habitat, which means we remove all plant life from these areas!

Least Terns and Snowy Plovers are colony nesters, which means that they prefer a flat sandy nesting ground where they can visibly see any and all predators approaching their nests. These birds also prefer to see the others around them nesting to ensure that they are not alone, and that they can be made aware quickly when trouble arises. Usually, these birds would prefer to nest out on the sandy dunes of the Bolsa Chica State Beach, however the recreational activities of over 2 million every year on the beach make this an unsafe place for them to raise their young. Instead, we try to create nesting grounds for them in protected areas, away from the public, so they can nest in peace without the worry of having people or our pets stepping on their nests and crushing them.

The whole reason these birds are endangered is the over 2 million people that come on the Bolsa Chica State Beach over the year — with the increased foot traffic, their preferred nesting grounds are scarce, causing them to be listed on the endangered species list. We want to help as much as possible.

Volunteers are needed from September to February every Third Saturday to help us restore these habitats to optimal nesting grounds for the birds in the spring and summer.