*hug* 🤍

Thank you, as always, for your support - for celebrating the milestones, sharing the wonder, and standing with us through each season’s joys and trials. On to 2026!

4/4 fin

It's easy to feel discouraged by the challenges of protecting a species on the brink. But time and time again, our Piping Plovers astound us with their resilience.
3/4

With their population still under constant threat, every single Piping Plover is precious - each one a beacon of hope for a species fighting for its future. Conservation is never a straight line; it’s filled with victories and setbacks, moments of doubt and moments of awe. 2/4

Thanks for your interest and question! The glasses are an annual fundraiser conducted by @chicagobirder.bsky.social . Any glasses that did not sell during the main fundraiser were available at their in-person events. They may be sold out for this year.

Special note: The absolutely stunning painting seen in this picture is by Waukegan Piping Plover Monitor Oliver Slater. 6/6

Pictured on left are Brad Semel and Dr. Cuthbert and on right are some of your Illinois Piping Plover monitors (Waukegan and Chicago).

While we find ourselves in that space in between breeding seasons, the energy remains palpable when you bring together even a small fraction of the many scientists (Dr. Cuthbert and Brad Semel), volunteer monitors (Waukegan and Chicago monitors), and others dedicated to the recovery efforts. 5/6

... afforded those in between moments, room for interactions that give even greater insights into recovery efforts and strengthen bonds among those in attendance. 4/6

It was a wonderfully informative lecture, a mix of the art and science of recovery, recognition of many hands, and delightful anecdotes. Further, this intimate setting, which included a beautifully curated exhibit that runs through October 31, ... 3/6

As noted in Audubon Magazine Summer 2025, "many people have carried forward the work of saving Great Lakes Piping Plovers, but it all started with Francie Cuthbert." 2/6

www.audubon.org/magazine/aft...