Dune Restoration - A Moving Target

Federally Threatened Snowy Plovers live their entire life cycle on the edge, restricted to the narrow sandy ecotone between the ocean and the greater coastline we all enjoy. They hide in the open, effectively camouflaged against the windblown fore dunes, seeking refuge in the footprints we leave behind or behind an isolated sprig of Camissonia or Abronia. They also lay their eggs and raise their precocial, highly mobile young on the outer strand, feeding amongst the beach-cast wrack, driftwood and shell debris. Beach communities are at-risk globally for a number of reasons, most of which are at play right here on Monterey Bay.

Carleton Eyster, biologist with Point Blue Conservation Science for 25 years, will explore the fascinating world of Snowy Plovers and our coastal dune community. He will discuss many of the unique adaptations that allow certain plants and animals to live in this harsh environment and outline some of the threats to this dynamic habitat, highlighting the restoration challenges and opportunities in a landscape dominated by multiple human uses.

When: Monday July 11 7:30 pm

Where: UCSC Arboretum Meeting Hall - 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064 (Between Main and West campus entrances)

Cost: Free

More Details: http://www.cruzcnps.org/events.php

Sponsored by the California Native Plant Society, Santa Cruz County