Summer Plover Spotting!

Sitka Sedge is an incredible natural area consisting of tidal marsh, mudflats, dunes, forested wetlands, and uplands...but one of the greatest parts of this landscape is often hard to spot! Western Snowy Plovers, the only shorebird that regularly breeds on Oregon beaches, can be found on the sandy beach here year-round.. South Sand Lake Spit is a historic nesting site for this threatened shorebird and one of five Snowy Plover Management Areas on Oregon’s north coast. Cara Gates, Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Coastal Community Science Biologist, will guide plover-spotting on the beach and share about this bird’s breeding biology, habitat, and conservation story. 

This natural area is also undergoing restoration efforts to support coho salmon habitat and allow for increased flood protection. While strolling out to the beach, Tillamook Estuaries Partnership's Community Engagement Coordinator, Danielle Maillard, will speak about the importance of restoration efforts in the regions and TEP's role in supporting healthy estuaries.

This walk involves walking on uneven, sandy terrain with exposed roots. Be sure to visit the Explore Nature page to see pictures of the venue to assess accessibility level. Prepare to be on the beach for 1-2 hours and bring your optics to look for plovers. We will also have some standard binoculars for you to borrow during the event and a spotting scope to share views from

Distance: 3 miles roundtrip.

Elevation changes: 25 ft.

Terrain: gravel trail including uneven areas with tree roots; wet and dry sand, at times uneven.

Exposure: full sun, with partial shade for forested section of beach access trail.

Pacing: slow.

Restroom at parking area.

Free public parking in day-use lot. There is no cell service in the parking lot, trail, or beach.

Also check out other Trips & Adventurous Activities in Cloverdale.