#MyParkStory Volunteer Mary Lundeberg

A photo of NPS staff and volunteers. Mary stands on the far right wearing a green volunteer ballcap. Since Mary is often the one behind the camera taking the photos, it is hard to find one of just her!

NPS Photo

Parks run on volunteers! Allow us to introduce you to the incredible Mary Lundeberg.

Mary is a volunteer who works on the piping plover program here at Sleeping Bear Dunes. Not only does she volunteer here, but she also travels to Florida to report sightings of plovers at their wintering grounds!

She is an expert photographer. Her photos help rangers to identify individual plovers based on their color bands that they have been tagged with! Because of her photos that she takes in Florida, NPS staff and partners can track piping plovers throughout their whole year, from their wintering grounds to their breeding grounds and back.

“I am honored to be a volunteer working to preserve this national treasure and the endangered wildlife that call the dunes home. I’m impressed with the dedication of the staff and volunteers who monitor and protect the piping plovers,” says Mary.

“Educating people about the piping plovers is very rewarding, especially when the chicks are running along the shoreline and the beachgoers have numerous questions about these endangered birds. These fascinating creatures are vulnerable when they are nesting, so it is important to teach people to share the shore, so the young ones can forage safely. Piping plovers blend into their environment, so hearing their “Peep-lo” whistle is music to my ears. Watching a chick grow, get banded and finally fledge is gratifying. I’ve also enjoyed learning about this endangered species and meeting the rangers, monitors, and other volunteers.”

NPS ranger Tess Kholer says that: “Mary is always willing to help with any plover conservation activity that comes her way. She helps us monitor the birds during their nesting season, both on the Manitou Islands and throughout the mainland. She assists with outreach pop-up events to educate the public about protecting plovers. And she takes excellent photos of both the birds and our staff and volunteers. Mary has captured photos of captive releases, banding, plover courtship, and young chicks exploring the beach. These photos have been used constantly in our messaging to the public to showcase what we and the birds are up to. She is a delight to run into on the beach, always with a smile and an encouraging thought. The plovers (and we) are lucky to have her.”

Mary, thank you for all that you do! Sleeping Bear Dunes and the piping plovers are honored to have your support! If you would like to learn more about piping plovers at the Lakeshore visit: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/learn/nature/pipingplover.htm

A photo of a plover chick adventuring out from its parent. While the parent keeps a close eye on the chick, Mary keeps a close eye on the plovers.

Mary Lundeberg

A photo of a small, fuzzy, and adorable chick standing on a sandy beach. Always under the watchful eye of Mary.

Mary Lundeberg

A photo of a piping plover standing in shallow water along the shore. Mary is a talented photographer, allowing her to capture piping plovers in their natural habitat.

Mary Lundeberg