Snowy Plover Toolkit

Jun 3, 2026

—Allison Frye, State Park Interpreter I, Angeles District

Photograph of a uniformed State Park interpreter holding out a sticker towards the camera featuring an illustration of a snowy plover; Malibu lagoon ant the Santa Monica Mountains are visible in the background.

Did you know that California State Parks stewards 30% of the Snowy Plover population in California? Our beaches provide critical refuge for these small, threatened shorebirds as they rest, nest, and move along the coastline during migration. At the same time, these beaches welcome millions of visitors each year—creating a powerful opportunity to connect people with the wildlife that depends on these shared spaces.

Over the past two years, the Angeles District has piloted a beachside pop-up program at Malibu Lagoon State Beach in partnership with our Natural Resources team and Nature Nexus Fellowship Interns.

Nature Nexus Fellowship Interns at trailside tables west of the lagoon.

This program was designed with several goals in mind: raising awareness about beach-nesting birds and how visitors can help protect them, creating meaningful opportunities for youth to explore green careers, and supporting priorities identified by our natural resources team.

Photograph of a woman holding a child in her arms while speaking over an informational table to another woman, with Malibu Lagoon visible in the background.

A family learns about Snowy Plovers through Angeles District’s beachside pop-up program at Malibu Lagoon State Beach.

We’re excited to share a program that is ready to use and adaptable for beaches across the state (link available to staff with access to the Interpretation & Education Division’s Resources Hub SharePoint). Our materials include a full outline, supply lists, set-up visuals, and Canva links—everything you need to bring this program to life at your site.

Access the toolkit via SharePoint at this link.