Snowy Plover Habitat Beach Clean Up - Bayocean Spit

Join Bird Alliance of Oregon and other community members to clean up Snowy Plover habitat in preparation for the 2025 nesting season! Marine debris and litter can attract predators to their nesting habitat, and some materials can entangle Snowy Plovers and other wildlife. Removing this waste before plovers begin to nest will create safer nesting habitat for this threatened shorebird. Bring your binoculars to hopefully observe Snowy Plovers and other birds! 

We will be sorting out certain marine debris to be used in two art projects on the north coast in 2025 led by Oregon Shores and artist Elizabeth Roberts. First, the 3rd Annual Art & Ecology Workshops in May in partnership with students and teachers. And second, a permanent sculpture to be unveiled in September at Sunset Beach in Clatsop county in partnership with Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Oregon State Parks and NOAA.
Carpool available from Portland: Meet at Bird Alliance of Oregon campus (5151 NW Cornell Rd., Portland, OR 97210) in front of the nature store at 8:00am, departing no later than 8:15am. Contact Cara if you'd like to sign up.
Things to know:

• Roundtrip distance is about 6.5 miles.
• Because we may be near Snowy Plovers, no dogs please (plovers percieve dogs as predators).
• End time may vary depending on the amount of debris and participants. 
• The clean up will go on in rain or shine but may be canceled if the weather is especially bad.
• Parking area requires a Tillamook County annual parking pass or $10 day use fee.

Advanced Registration: Is required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Meeting Location: Bayocean Peninsula County Park parking lot

Address: North Hwy 131 Tillamook, OR 97141 | Map Link

What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.

What's Provided: Gloves, bags, trash grabbers

Restrooms: Porta Potty available in the parking lot.

Parking: Parking lot at Bayocean Peninsula County Park, requires $10 day-use parking fee (credit cards only) or Tillamook county annual pass (purchase online)

Transit: Not available nearby

Accessibility: This area may not be easily accessible for folks with mobility concerns.

Translation Services: There will be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

Participant Age Guidelines: Recommended for Ages 13 and Up

Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams Guide.