A plover parent and chick at Montrose Beach in 2019, courtesy of the Shedd Aquarium. (Credit: Susan Szeszol)

The successful mating of Chicago’s most famous lovebirds, Monty and Rose, has drawn global attention to Montrose Beach as an unlikely breeding site for endangered Great Lakes piping plovers.

But plovers have also been spotted along the city’s lakefront at 63rd Street beach, where a 12-acre native dune restoration project has provided the birds with vital habitat, though it’s yet to claim a love nest. Other species such as the black-crowned night heron, least bittern and snowy owl have flocked to dunes, according to the Chicago Park District.

As part of its spring slate of Action Days, the Shedd Aquarium is teaming up with conservation partners to host a pair of volunteer days at 63rd Street beach. Participants will clean up litter along the beach and remove invasive plants, among other activities.

The dates are April 17 and May 15, 10 a.m. to noon. All ages are welcome; masks must be worn. The cost is free, but registration is required. To sign up, email [email protected]. 

Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 |  [email protected]