Crews work to rebuild preserve for the Least Tern

Monday's rain didn't stop county workers from rebuilding Zink Island in an effort to preserve nature. <br/><br/>The island, near the west bank of the Arkansas River, is a nurturing habitat for

Monday, March 21st 2005, 9:43 am

By: News On 6

Monday's rain didn't stop county workers from rebuilding Zink Island in an effort to preserve nature.

The island, near the west bank of the Arkansas River, is a nurturing habitat for the interior least tern, an endangered species of migratory bird.Over the past few years, their numbers have declined.

Crews hope removing vegetation and adding new sand to the island will help improve the Least Tern's nesting habits. Kevin Stubbs with the US Fish and Wildlife Service: "Least terns nest on barren sand, no flood waters in a while, vegetation has taken over this island."

The habitat rebuilding is made possible by Tulsa County along with the U-S Army Corps of Engineers, River Parks Authority, Southwest Power Administration and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.