The Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island is dedicated to protecting important wildlife and landscapes in our state, but it can't do it alone: volunteers give their time and energy to help the NCRI to achieve its conservation goals.
This past Friday, I spent a few hours with 11 other volunteers and a handful of NCRI staff, working together to build a fence on a dune behind the rocky, windswept shore of the Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton. Located in a scenic and sometimes overlooked corner of Rhode Island, the Goosewing Preserve is one of many sites across the state protected by the Nature Conservancy. It is an important nesting site for the piping plover and the least tern, rare and endangered coastal birds. These birds lay their eggs amongst the stones and grasses of the sand dunes at Goosewing, a popular spot for local walkers, hikers and riders; without the fencing, the well-camouflaged eggs and chicks are vulnerable to curious dogs, careless humans, and even horses!
With much of RI's shoreline (not to mention the rest of the Atlantic coastline) converted to tourist beaches and seafront housing, it is easy to see why the piping plovers and least terns have struggled. By purchasing and protecting key ecological sites, the Nature Conservancy helps to maintain vital habitats that animals like these depend on for survival; the site at Goosewing guarantees a safe and reliable nesting site for these shorebirds, year after year.
This time of year the least terns have yet to arrive, but piping plovers can already be seen running along the shore, stopping to feed on tiny marine insects in the sand. They get their name from the "piping" sound of their call, a "clear, whistled peep-lo", as described by the National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds. They have round-ish bodies, a sand-colored back and wings, white bellies, a thin black stripe around their necks, and short bills. These plovers also have the tendency to cock their heads to one side as they approach you, an endearing gesture seeming to show sincere curiosity.
Our volunteer team at Goosewing split into groups and divided tasks, with some hammering posts in the sand, others stringing rope from post to post, and others fastening signs to the fence. The bright yellow signs explain the purpose of the fence, warning visitors to respect the boundaries and avoid disturbing this important shorebird nesting site. At Goosewing Preserve and other similar sites, the fencing stays up until early September, by which time the plovers and terns will have raised their chicks, and will be starting to head to warmer regions for the colder months.
By protecting and managing beautiful spots like Goosewing, the Nature Conservancy helps make sure there will be more plovers and terns back next year. There are still plenty of opportunities to volunteer with the Nature Conservancy of Rhode Island this season, learning about their important conservation work, and helping to keep our local wildlife and wild places safe and healthy.
To get involved, visit the NCRI volunteer page and fill out the application form.
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