Dune Bird Winery in Northport had hundreds of patrons turn out Thursday for a Piping Plover fundraiser, where the winery released a limited edition ‘Pink Plover’ sweet rose Thursday.
The fundraiser raised awareness and funds for the endangered Piping Plover and other resource protection efforts along Lake Michigan shorelines.
The Piping Plover population has been on an upward trajectory since 2022. As of 2024, there are 80 reported pair of Piping Plovers. The number of fledged chicks has dropped from its high of roughly 150 in 2022 to approximately 120 in 2024.
The Friends of Sleeping Bear (FOSB) received $750 in additional donations and signed up about a dozen new volunteers. Dune Bird pledged $15,000 over a 3-year partnership and will be contributing $2 from every bottle sold + proceeds of merchandise sales to FOSB.
