Protect the Plover Hat

A super lightweight, mid-profile 100% cotton cap to keep the sun at bay on Plover Patrol!

Inspired by the Piping Plover’s signature moves along the shoreline, this design celebrates the clever foraging ritual these endangered Great Lakes birds use to survive. As waves recede, plovers dart in to snatch exposed prey in a dance perfectly timed with the rhythm of the lake—a testament to their deep connection with the ever-shifting landscape of sand and surf. Illustration by Nate Knoth.

A portion of proceeds supports Great Lakes Piping Plover protection efforts —helping ensure these remarkable birds continue to thrive on our shores for generations.

HOW YOU CAN BE A STEWARD OF PLOVERS WHEN AT THE BEACH:

Observe and obey the closed area fences. Watch and enjoy plovers from a distance.
Keep dogs and other pets on leashes and out of areas of the beach closed to pets.
Don’t feed gulls or leave food on the beach. This increases the gull population and attracts predators to the area that will also prey on piping plovers.
If you find a plover family outside of the fencing give them some space. The small chicks can disappear quickly in sand or cobble and are easily stepped on.
Report sightings of Piping Plovers in areas where there aren’t known nests (no plover fencing)
Don’t fly kites, wings, or kiteboards near plover nesting areas
If you see anyone harassing piping plovers please report it to Sleeping Bear Dunes Headquarters. (231-326-4700 ext. 5010 )
Volunteer to join the Piping Plover Patrol. Call Sleeping Bear Dunes Headquarters. (231-326-4700 ext. 5010) or e-mail the Park Service.

The Piping Plover is a small shorebird that nests in three separate geographic populations in the United States and Canada: The Northern Great Plains, the shores of the Great Lakes, and along the Atlantic coast. Birds from all three populations winter on the southern Atlantic and Gulf coasts in the United States, as well as in the Caribbean.

The shores of the Great Lakes were once home to nearly 800 pairs of Piping Plovers. In 1990 that number had dropped to 13. In 1986, the Great Lakes population of Piping Plovers was placed on the Federal Endangered Species list. Their population decline was, in part, due to nest disturbance and predation as well as habitat deterioration. With protection the population has increased to around 70 nesting pairs in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Piping Plover Conservation Team — a partner group of federal and state agencies, Great Lakes tribes, universities, non-governmental organizations and interested private citizens — works for recovery of this unique shorebird of the Great Lakes beaches.

PLEDGE to the Protect the Plovers!

A super lightweight, mid-profile 100% cotton cap to keep the sun at bay on Plover Patrol!

A portion of proceeds supports Great Lakes Piping Plover protection efforts —helping ensure these remarkable birds continue to thrive on our shores for generations.

HOW YOU CAN BE A STEWARD OF PLOVERS WHEN AT THE BEACH:

Observe and obey the closed area fences. Watch and enjoy plovers from a distance.
Keep dogs and other pets on leashes and out of areas of the beach closed to pets.
Don’t feed gulls or leave food on the beach. This increases the gull population and attracts predators to the area that will also prey on piping plovers.
If you find a plover family outside of the fencing give them some space. The small chicks can disappear quickly in sand or cobble and are easily stepped on.
Report sightings of Piping Plovers in areas where there aren’t known nests (no plover fencing)
Don’t fly kites, wings, or kiteboards near plover nesting areas
If you see anyone harassing piping plovers please report it to Sleeping Bear Dunes Headquarters. (231-326-4700 ext. 5010 )
Volunteer to join the Piping Plover Patrol. Call Sleeping Bear Dunes Headquarters. (231-326-4700 ext. 5010) or e-mail the Park Service.