Friends of the proposes Alameda Wildlife Refuge (Photo: Leora Feeney)

Terns on Parade Trophy (Photo: Leora Feeney)

Christy Smith, San Pablo Bay NWR
The Friends of (the proposed) Alameda Wildlife Refuge (FAWR) delivered a conservation message during this year's July Fourth parade in Alameda, Calif.  Carrying large, home made, cardboard terns with cardboard chicks they walked the 3 1/2 miles of the parade and won first place in the Walking/Bicycling/Jogging Division. 

The Friends of the Alameda Wildlife Refuge are a subcommittee of the Golden Gate Audubon Society and its members have supported the establishment of a national wildlife refuge on Alameda for almost 20 years. 

Alameda is home to a large least tern colony that established itself on the former Naval Air Station during the time the base was active.  When the base was decommissioned, many concerned citizens joined together to initiate the protection of the federally-endangered terns through the establishment of a wildlife refuge.  Alameda is an urban jewel that protects more than 150 species of birds including the California Brown Pelican.