Piping Plover Restoration and Education Project

This award is one right after John Chafee's heart, as he took special interest and stewardship of the National Wildlife refuges. The Friends developed the Piping Plover Restoration and Education Project to coordinate and bolster efforts to restore the threatened piping plover, a bird that nests on barrier beaches both on and off the National Wildlife refuges.

The project focuses on protection and restoration of nesting sites and habitat beyond the limited reaches of the protected refuges. The project includes parterships, volunteer opportunities, education and financial support for long term commitments to protect this critical habitat.