Photo: Kayden Richards, Friends Photographer in Residence
Greetings!
As sweet rain falls for the first time in weeks, I am reminded of the many ways nature, and humans, can be restored. History has proven that, what was once a fallow hillside, can again become a lush native forest. So too does recollection of the island's history and heritage help fortify our spirits today.

February is Black History Month so in particular, we step forward this month to honor the richness of stories of challenges and suffering that birthed a strong people; of cultural depth ranging from arts, dance, performance, and music, to cooking and construction; and natural history that resulted in a heritage of medicinal plants, delicious foods, and drinks! You will see showcases of local culture bearers demonstrating their expertise in videos online while here on St. John many of those same culture bearers will be connecting with our local schools. Thank you for your part in helping keep Virgin Islands' culture alive on St. John!
Caneel Bay is also front and center this month as the National Park has opened an important initial public feedback and comment period on the future development of the 150 acres in the middle of the Park. Please participate and make your voices heard!

Our ability to protect and preserve the gift of Virgin Islands National Park and advocate on your behalf is made possible by our fundraising efforts and your support! So, please join us tomorrow night for our virtual kick-off of this year's annual Gala fundraiser. We will come together tomorrow, Saturday, February 5th at 6pm for a virtual game of Park Trivia. There are trivia prizes to win, raffle tickets, and an online auction to check out! So don't miss out and join us tomorrow for Park Trivia and a communal toast to the Park we love to love!

It is our mission and privilege to help protect and preserve this heritage whether it is maintaining and clearing ruins, funding cultural demonstrations, or making space for stories to be told. Again, thank you so much for your ongoing support. You have made a tremendous impact as you will see in our 1st annual Impact Report, just published!

My door is always open to feedback and thoughts as we collectively strive to make a difference in our small beautiful corner of the world! Thank you for being a Friend! 

Warmly,
Tonia Lovejoy, Executive Director
2021 Impact Report & Annual Meeting
For the first time, Friends is publishing an Impact Report highlighting the work that we do and that you make possible!

2021 was certainly one for the record books. From turtles and coral to trees and trails, to nurturing the conservationists of the future, our achievements were many. Let it be that we continue to work together to protect and preserve our Park so that future generations can experience the magic of these lands and seas. Thank you for your support!
Annual General Meeting

The Friends Annual Meeting year-in-review took place on Friday, January 25. It was held virtually via zoom. Our keynote speakers were Park Superintendent Nigel Fields, and Dr. Paul Jobsis, Director of University of Virgin Islands Center for Marine & Environmental Studies.
Black History Month & Folk Life Festival
Black History Month celebrates and recognizes the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of US and Virgin Islands history.

Every February Virgin Islands National Park’s Annual Folk Life Festival celebrates and promotes the rich culture of the Virgin Islands and is sponsored by Friends. This year the 31st Folk Life Festival will be limited to cultural demonstrations for the three schools on island on February 24 and 25. We look forward to a couple of fun days with moko jumbies, learning about the medicinal qualities in Bay Rum, and storytelling!
For anyone interested in learning more about the culture and history of St.John, here is a list of wonderful opportunities:
Friends Annual Gala & Fundraiser
Saturday February 5, 2022

Join us for a fun game of Park Trivia with friends and family!

We have so much to celebrate! This year's Annual Gala to benefit Friends of Virgin Islands National Park includes Park Trivia, multiple opportunities to win great prizes, and an online auction!

Each February we count on seeing you, and raising critical funds. Thank you for celebrating our shared passion to protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources of Virgin Islands National Park! 
Caneel Bay Public Comment Period Open
On January 18, the National Park Service (NPS) published Caneel Bay Redevelopment And Management Plan Newsletter outlining possible options under consideration for Caneel Bay, announcing opportunities for discussion, and asking for written feedback by February 17, 2022.

As the philanthropic partner of the Virgin Islands National Park, Friends recognizes it serves the public as both a vehicle and a voice to stand up for the preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources found in Virgin Islands National Park and Coral Reef National Monument. As such, we are deeply vested in the future of Caneel Bay.
Please read our Special Newsletter, attend the virtual Park public meeting on February 8 and make your opinion heard in writing by February 17.
In The World Of Sea Turtles
Our sea turtle nesting season is coming to a close with only one nest still incubating. The nest count this season is 32 hawksbill nests with over 3,000 hatchlings headed into the world!

As part of our education and outreach program, the sea turtle team has produced a video providing turtle protection guidance for boaters and swimmers. Take a look at the video and check out our Sea Turtle Resource Library for more information!
Meet Our Turtle Team
Learn more about this endangered species and the work we do at one of these events:

  • TURTLE INFO TABLE: Every Tuesday and Thursday until June from 9AM to 11AM at Maho.
  • FRIDAY WITH FRIENDS TURTLE TALK: Every third Friday until June. Free for members. Learn more and register here.
  • UNIQUE SEA TURTLE BOAT & SNORKEL EXCURSION: Every second Sunday until June from St. Thomas and St. John. Next one is Sunday February 13! Learn more and purchase ticket here.
2022 Beach To Beach Power Swim Registration Open
Sunday, May 29, 2022

Every Memorial Day weekend, swimmers take to the beautiful waters of St. John to raise funds for kids swim programs and marine conservation and education outreach! Registration for the 19th Annual Beach to Beach 2022 Power Swim is now open! Capacity is limited so act now!
Useful Numbers for Park Stewards