Greetings!

There is a special joy that comes from awakening a child's curiosity! On Culture Day last month some 500 school students learned about plants and craft making from Edmund Roberts, Delroy “Ital” Anthony and Loreli Hill, about beekeeping from Elmo Rabsatt, danced the bamboula with Allegra Christopher, and more, from 15 culture bearers, performers and artisans. In addition a volunteer crew of UVI students helped teachers guide students. It was a wonderful community day!

Educating the conservationists of the future is key to our mission. So far this academic year the School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program that Friends coordinates with Rangers from the Park has held over 50 in-classroom visits and trips to the Park. In addition, applications for Summer Trail Crew and for our two scholarship programs are open. Thanks to your support Friends has a vibrant, thriving youth program!

I am excited to let you know that the National Park Service has appointed Penelope “Penny” Del Bene as the new superintendent effective April 7. I got to know Penny last year while she was acting superintendent for four months. We welcome her back to St. John and I look forward to working with her.

Whether it's teaching our children, protecting every sea turtle hatchling that scrambles towards the ocean, or by planting a tree, every small action counts! Thank you for sharing our belief that investing in our future matters!

Warmly,
Tonia Lovejoy
Executive Director
Virgin Islands History Month
On St. John much of the cultural heritage practices, traditions, and arts are deeply connected with the natural resources including the use of local plants and animals and the physical spaces now defined by the park. Explore the Park and its ruins, attend a seminar, or listen and watch Virgin Islands stories:
  • Here, St.John is an oral history about Virgin Islands National Park and St. John. It serves to give voice to the heritage, culture and natural history as told by born St. Johnians and resident scientists.
  • Passing It On documentary is a record of the inspirational tales told by Virgin Islands culture bearers who have participated in the Folk Life Festival through the years. From learning about the history of the Mocko Jumbie from Mr. Allan “Ysreal” Peterson to the ways in which Ms. Shandis B. Davis’ family Maubi recipe gets passed along, you will be intrigued and inspired!
  • Archaeology At Sea is a sunset cruise with former Park archaeologists, Ken Wild and Dr. Brittany Mistretta. Explore the rich and colorful history of the Virgin Islands maritime world with these two experts.
  • Annaberg Plantation is the park's most accessible historic plantation site and a must visit for anyone interested in understanding the history and heritage of St. John. We welcome you to visit with St. John cultural ambassadors demonstrating bread making and local flavors in the old cook house, the plants in the Annaberg gardens including medicinal uses and more.
Over 1,000 Trees Planted On Beaches
These two pictures were taken at Maho Bay beach in August 2020 and February 2024!

Over the past 4 years, the Friends organization supported by Virgin Islands National Park, local horticultural experts like Eleanor Gibney, countless volunteers, and generous donors has cultivated and planted over 1,000 trees on our North Shore beaches to replace vegetation lost to storms, help increase soil stabilization and prevent erosion!
Scholarship Applications Open
Friends believes that the future of conservation on St. John resides in our youth. As such we are focused on building a pipeline of concerned and engaged citizens starting with School Kids In The Park (SKIP) and Learn To Swim programs through scholarships, summer job opportunities, and internships. 

We offer two scholarship programs to St. John High School seniors or undergraduate students studying in a field related to natural and cultural conservation: the Noble Samuel Scholarship and the Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship.
Summer Trail Crew Applications Open
The Friends’ Summer Trail Crew is an 8 week program from June 10 to August 2, 2024 that provides a professional job opportunity to Virgin Island high school students (ages 15 to 18) interested in conservation.

This is an opportunity for students to gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, work outdoors as part of a team, and learn about Virgin Islands National Park.
Power Swim Registration Open
Are you ready for an awesome open water swim! Registration for the 2024 Beach To Beach Power Swim is open! 

Every Memorial Day weekend, swimmers take to the beautiful waters in Virgin islands National Park on St. John to raise funds for kids swim programs, marine conservation, education outreach and more! One of the most beautiful swims in the world, the Power Swim includes the beaches of Maho, Cinnamon, Trunk and Hawknest. The swim is number 23 on the list of the World’s Top 100 Open Water Swims and number 7 on the World’s Top 100 Island Swims.
News From The Park
NEW SUPERINTENDENT APPOINTED
The National Park Service has announced the selection of Penelope “Penny” Del Bene as superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, effective April 7. Del Bene served as the parks’ acting superintendent for four months in 2023.
  
“I am excited to welcome Penny as superintendent of the national parks on St. John and St. Thomas,” said Mark Foust, NPS South Atlantic-Gulf regional director. “Penny’s experience thoughtfully leading people, building partnerships and advancing community relations and public involvement as a park and resource manager will serve her, the park and its stakeholders well.” 
RAM HEAD DEDICATION
A dedication and unveiling of an historic plaque designating Ram Head overlook as a part of the Fortsberg history trail was held at the beginning of the month. The plaque speaks to the Akwamu people’s freedom fight story of 1733 approaching its 40th observance in November. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett was the sponsor of HR 7496 which formalized the Ram Head recognition. Virgin Islands Source Photo Focus Here.
Useful Park Numbers