Snowy Plover Art Contest
Your student can help make a difference for Western snowy plovers in Washington. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Coastal Interpretive Center (CIC) are hosting a contest for elementary students in Grays Harbor County to help design signs reminding beach goers to take care near snowy plover nesting areas. Scientists have found that displaying signs with artwork designed by local children is much more effective in encouraging behavior change around snowy plover conservation than a generic sign.
Contest Details
Three signs will be selected between grades K-2, and three signs will be selected between grades 3-5 to be adapted into weatherproof signs that will be posted on the beach and in the Coastal Interpretive Center to remind beachgoers to take actions that protect snowy plovers. Winning designs will receive a WDFW prize pack with stickers, posters, and other giveaways. The submission deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026. Please contact CIC Education Manager, Becky, if your students would like to pariiate.
Curriculum
WDFW and CIC have developed standards-aligned lesson plans that provide everything teachers and parents need to teach their students about plovers and guide them in making their art. The lesson plans are most closely aligned with standards for Kindergarten and Grade 5 but can be adapted for additional grades. Teachers and parents can request free snowy plover educational pamphlets to go along with the lesson plan by replying to this email with a mailing address and number of students per class (please provide at least two weeks of lead time). Alternatively, teachers can print the pamphlets on their own from the provided materials.
Snowy plover beach day
All participating students and their families are invited to attend Snowy Plover Beach Day where WDFW, the Coastal Interpretive Center, Washington State Parks, and the Grays Harbor Surfrider chapter will present a sign unveiling, educational programming, and beach clean-up. Snowy Plover Beach Day will take place June 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to noon at Griffiths-Priday State Park. Please see the attached flyer for more information about the beach day.