Sign being installed on symbolic fencing by Anna White

As our tiniest visitor, the endangered Piping Plover, returns to Fishers Island’s shores this spring, the Fishers Island Conservancy is preparing to install symbolic fencing at known nesting sites. These small shorebirds lay their eggs directly on open sand, making them extremely vulnerable to disturbance. To protect them and give them the best chance at a successful breeding season, FIC will kick off the season with Pre-Fencing Day on Wednesday, April 9.

Symbolic fencing is a simple yet critical step that helps reduce disturbance from people and pets by clearly marking sensitive nesting areas. This protection is not just for Piping Plovers but also serves as nesting habitat for Least Terns, which are listed as threatened in New York State. These birds depend on undisturbed beach habitat to successfully nest and raise their young.

This work is part of the Long Island Colonial Waterbird Survey (LICWS), a statewide monitoring and protection program coordinated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. We are excited to partner with Sophia Brown from NYSDEC as we relaunch LICWS efforts on the island. Fishers Island falls within Region 1 of the NYSDEC, which includes Suffolk County and nearby coastal islands.

We invite anyone interested in helping to join us on Wednesday, April 9^th at 10:30 AM outside the FI Community Center. We encourage volunteers to bring work gloves and dress for the weather.

Come lend a hand and help us protect our islands shoreline and the shorebirds that call it home!