The Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Effort

Historically, piping plovers nested throughout the Great Lakes (estimated population 500 to 800 pairs) but declined to about a dozen pairs, all within the state of Michigan, by the mid-1980s. This decline is largely attributed to habitat destruction due to heavy post-World War II beach development (recreational, residential, and commercial).

Research, banding, nest monitoring, and incubation are all parts of the effort to increase the number of breeding pairs of Piping Plovers. In addition habitat restoration and protection are key elements. Aquarium personnel typically staff the incubator room and care for eggs or abandoned chicks at Association of Zoos and Aquariums member institutions in the region until they can be released.