"I hope for your help to explore and protect the wild ocean in ways that will restore the health and, in so doing, secure hope for humankind. Health to the ocean means health for us." - Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer |
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Greetings!
It is hard not to get lost in thought staring at the tranquil deep blue seascape that shimmers around St. John this time of year. The sheer vastness evokes a sense of wonder and awe! In these moments of reflection, it becomes clear that there is balance and perfection in this world! It is a calm, peaceful feeling, and one I hope you can relate to experiencing here.
Looking at conservation work in the context of the scale of things it is easy to wonder: "I am so small, how can I affect positive change?" I remain convinced that our individual actions are really powerful factors in protecting and preserving the environment. Experience at the Friends working with all of you has made it clear to me over and over again that while we each play a small role in the grander scheme of things, collectively we make a real difference. It literally takes all of us!
This month we are asking you to roll up your sleeves and take action to clean up marine debris with us! You can join the Friends at 9 AM on Saturday, October 23rd in the Salt Pond Parking lot to clean up Drunk Bay, or pick your own beach to adopt. Also, check out the virtual seminars below. Led by experts on important conservation topics, these seminars will help you to protect and preserve VI National Park with us!
October marks the beginning of Friends' financial year and the upcoming season! With your support, we will be tackling some big projects this year and, as always, are committed to supporting and managing a number of VI National Park programs! Thank you for continuing to be our park's best friend by volunteering, donating, and participating in events.
Warmly,
Tonia Lovejoy, Executive Director
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October 19-22
Ocean Week Seminars are virtual and open to all to attend. They take place at noon from Tuesday, October 19 to Friday, October 22. Anyone wishing to attend will be sent zoom call information as soon as they register for free online.
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The program includes:
· One World, One Ocean: Protecting the Sea Turtles of St. John presented by Adren Anderson and Willow Melamet, VINP Sea Turtle Monitoring and Protection Program Coordinators.
· Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle presented by Kelly Lawson, Executive Director, Island Green Living Association.
· Initiatives that Support Seagrass Meadows and Coral Reefs in the USVI presented by Danielle Olive, Fisheries Biologist I and Victoria Beasley, Wildlife Biologist II DFW-DPNR.
· An Underwater Scavenger Hunt: Cryptic Fish of St. John presented by Lee Richter, Marine Biological Science Technician, National Park Service.
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Saturday, October 23
Drunk Bay Clean Up
(Meet at Salt Pond Parking Lot at 9AM)
Friends will be cleaning up Drunk Bay beach on Saturday, October 23 and everyone is welcome to join. This event is perfect for students needing community service hours. Gloves and bags provided!
Can't make it? Pick your own beach and get dirty with us! Gloves and bags will be available all week at the Friends shop in the National Park Visitor Center for anyone wishing to help.
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A Child's Gateway To The Park |
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After being hit by two category five hurricanes in 2017, the playground and ball field next to the Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center suffered substantial damage. It has taken longer than any of us would've thought or liked but NPS construction of the ball field is now well underway which is so exciting to see!
In addition, plans for the playground are final and approved which means we need to get down to the business of raising the substantial amount of money needed for equipment, ground cover, construction, and ongoing maintenance! Our fundraising goal is $500,000.
Thanks to a number of contributions to this project already generously donated, we are not starting at zero! But we have a long way to go so your support for this important community project is critical!
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The Inspiration Of Ranger Noble Samuel |
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Application deadline is October 31.
Applications are being accepted for the Noble Samuel Scholarship.
The scholarship is aimed at St. John youth who need encouragement to attend college (the University of the Virgin Islands or another university) and includes a paid internship opportunity with Friends to gain conservation-related work experience.
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Spend a Tuesday or Thursday with us volunteering in Virgin Islands National Park! Got more time? Opt for a working vacation and camp at Cinnamon Bay!
With the help of volunteers, the Friends' Trail Crew maintains the 27 miles of trails in the park as well as a number of historical sites and ruins.
Applications for one to six weeks stays in our campground at Cinnamon Bay are now open for the 2021/2022 season! Spots fill up fast to act now if you are interested!
The park volunteer walkup trails program managed by Friends begins on Tuesday, October 19 and runs every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of May 2022. Work locations and meeting points and times for each week are posted on our social media pages every Monday.
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Villas For The Park Registration Open |
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Online Auction & Fundraiser
November 12 to 26, 2021
Escape to our beautiful islands and help preserve and protect our national park!
Register now for the Villas For The Park auction and see what amazing villas have donated stays for groups and budgets of all sizes!
If you would like to donate a stay in your villa or hotel, please contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org or (340) 779-4940
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Our thanks to the villas and hotels that have already donated stays: Villa Calypso, Astral Villa, Banana Tree Villa, Bombalassy Villa, Coral Caribe Villa, Dahlia Villa, Dream Come True, Fish Tales Cottage, Garden By The Sea, Gaia’s Pearl, Kia Ora Villa, Lime Time, Marketplace Suites, Moondance Villa, On A Clear Day, Sago Cottage, Sunset Ridge Villa, The Hills St. John, The Cottage At Battery Hill, The Other World Villa, Tropical Blessings, Villa Adagio, Villa Bonita, Villa Mirino, Wharfside Village Hotel. Windwardside Main House.
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Turtle Adoption Membership Drive & Raffle |
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October is Adopt a Sea Turtle Membership Drive month! As a special thank you for renewing before October 31, you will receive a turtle adoption certificate as well as be entered into a drawing for one of two amazing prizes.
We will be raffling off a beautiful sterling silver turtle pendant on a 20" nautical chain compliments of VIBE Jewelry, and a gift bag filled with goodies from our shop. The drawing for the special gifts will take place on November 7.
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This important fundraiser celebrates the natural and cultural resources in our beautiful park! |
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Useful Numbers for Park Stewards |
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This fridge magnet includes some useful numbers of park stewards as well as some tips and guidelines for visitors! If you have a villa or location on STJ where you could use one or more, please contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org
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