Protecting our most at-risk species
Six species of birds with either threatened or endangered designations breed within the Reserve:
- California gnatcatcher
- Least Bell's vireo
- Western snowy plover
- California least tern
- Light-footed Ridgway’s rail
- Belding’s savannah sparrow.
A number of these sensitive species require annual or project-specific monitoring efforts. The Stewardship Program coordinates contracts and permitting, and assists with field work for the monitoring of these species.
A snowy plover nests in Imperial Beach sand dunes that divide the beach and the Tijuana Estuary.