Greetings!
The smiles on the faces of this group from the Christian Academy learning about turtles at Hawksnest says it all: Ocean Week was a good week. In October we take time to focus on keeping our coasts clean and talking about the impact of debris on our marine life. Every lesson learned and every piece of plastic picked up makes a difference. Our thanks to the businesses and organizations who hosted five cleanups around the island, and to the volunteers who showed up to get dirty! In the words of the renowned oceanographer, Sylvia Earle: "Knowing is the key to caring, and with caring there is hope that people will be motivated to take positive actions."
The season kicks off this month with Paddle The Park, Villas For The Park, and a full schedule of some 275 hikes, seminars and boat trips from now through June of next year aimed at encouraging people to learn, explore and experience Virgin Islands National Park. There is something for everyone! I invite you to join us.
The success of conservation work is so much about working together. Be it in partnership with our hard working colleagues in the National Park Service, with island teachers who corral groups of students on field trips with us, or with service groups in our campsite who spend a week volunteering on our beaches and trails, thank you for sharing our passion for this park today and tomorrow. We look forward to a wonderful season with you!
Warmly,