Nature Coast Shorebird Partnership
Initiated in 2009, the mission of the Nature Coast Shorebird Partnership is to conserve shorebird and seabird populations in Taylor, Dixie, Levy, Citrus, and Hernando counties through collaborative efforts between government agencies, non-government organizations, and individuals.
From a landscape perspective, the Nature Coast is unique in many ways. Calm seas have permitted saltmarsh to dominate this stretch of coastline and conversely, prevented the formation of barrier islands and sandy beaches. As the name suggests, this region of Florida is comparatively undeveloped with large areas protected in public ownership.
The Nature Coast supports a wide diversity of shorebirds and seabirds, particularly migratory and wintering species which congregate on the vast network of tidal mudflats in impressive numbers. Furthermore, recent studies indicate this region is globally significant for certain species, such as American Oystercatchers- roughly ten percent of the population from eastern North America winters along the Nature Coast. However, much remains to be learned about the birds of the Nature Coast and the issues affecting them.
Partnership activities include: 1) conducting and supporting shorebird and seabird research in the region, 2) monitoring and managing priority sites within the region, 3) conservation planning (i.e. identifying needs and developing strategies), and 4) community outreach (i.e. increasing public awareness of conservation issues related to shorebirds and seabirds). Members of the partnership coordinate activities via email and at seasonally scheduled meetings.
