The Piping Plover is an endangered species of shorebird that nests each year at the mouth of the Platte River on Lake Michigan. The plover nests on the ground and is very susceptible to disturbance by humans, dogs, raccoons, fox and other predators, as well as shoreline development and pollution. Since the Platte River Watershed drains into Lake Michigan at the very place these endangered birds nest and raise their young, the quality of the water coming from the watershed into Lake Michigan is of great importance to the survival of these rare birds.

Not too long ago, there was anywhere from 150 to 200 Piping Plovers in Michigan. But in 1990, due to human disturbance on their habitat, only 12 nesting pairs were left around Lake Michigan. So this attracting extreme attention from most all of the Nation Park Service in Michigan, the rangers restricted on half a mile of beach just for the nesting Plovers. In 1998, the count of nesting pairs had gone up to 23. The Piping Plover use our watershed for their nesting ground, food, and shelter. They are more susceptible to pollution, being trampled and preyed then many other birds. So to keep the Piping Plover alive we need to keep our watershed and the land around it clean.

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