By U-T San Diego
The areas targeted for replanting supported 669 nests of
federally endangered California Least Terns and 53 nests of federally
threatened Western Snowy Plover in 2012, said Tiffany Shepherd, wildlife
biologist for the Coronado Naval Base.
The dune restoration will include removing invasive ice
plant and planting native dune flora, including sand verbena, beach bur, beach
evening primrose and beach morning glory, Shepherd said.
Removing ice plant and restoring native flowers will open
up space where terns and plovers can place their camouflaged eggs in small nest
scrapes in the sand. Those actions are also expected to stabilize the dunes.
The entire Coronado Naval Base supported 1,078 tern nests
and 146 plover nests last year, making it one of the last remaining dune
ecosystems in the region.
Throughout Southern California
coastal dunes have been lost to urbanization, leaving sensitive animal and
plant species dependent on vanishing habitat, she said.
“Removing invasive species from the site and planting
native species will protect and enhance the biodiversity of an ecosystem that
already supports many native species, including several threatened and
endangered species,” Shepherd said.
The work is being done under a cooperative agreement
between the Navy and San Diego
State University
The dune restoration will include installation of
drip-irrigation systems, protective cones and wire cages for 12 to 18 months to
prevent animals from eating the new plants.
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