Greetings!
I hope you are getting a chance to dive into your fun this summer like the Friends! Whether admiring our marine life from above or below, there is so much to explore by sea in Virgin Islands National Park and Coral Reef National Monument. In fact, our park is more than half submerged - making us a water park if there ever was one!
For the past 21 years, the Beach-to-Beach Power Swim, held Memorial Day weekend, has been a reminder of that rich, protected and preserved underwater landscape. This year's event was no different, as more than 300 swimmers swam along the Northshore beaches, from Maho to Hawksnest.
For the Friends, this time of year marks a transition between seasons, the beginning of sea turtle nesting season, and the onset of our summer programming. The trails volunteer camp closes down, and local youth pick up the loppers to maintain our park trails through August. Plus, Learn to Swim ramps up, adding a layer of marine conservation education to engage our summer campers in and out of the water with knowledge about their park.
We wish you a healthy and happy summer, and wherever you are, remember, leave no trace (only bubbles!)
Warmly,
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Tonia Lovejoy
Executive Director
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Beach to Beach Power Swim Results are in!
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The first place winner for the men's division (and overall winner) of the 3.5 mile long course from Maho to Hawksnest is Kaeden Gleason at 1:09:26 breaking a course time record!
First place winner for the women's division (and overall third place winner) of the long course is Lindsay Barr at 1:23:04. Barr is also a Friends Matheny Scholarship recipient!
Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this event possible and helping to raise more than $30,000 for programs like Learn To Swim, Sea Turtle Protection, and more!
We are also very proud of the four, Learn To Swim coaches that swam this year. One of the coaches, Maxim McMahon, placed third in the men's division assisted short course! Go team!
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This is your chance to join Turtle Patrol for the 2024 season! Our turtle protection program needs volunteers living on island to join our early morning beach monitoring for about 1-2 hours per week from July through November.
Volunteers must be living on island, have their own transportation, and have attended a group training session. Training Sessions times and dates:
Return Volunteers
June 11th, 9am-11am
June 15th, 10am-12pm
New Volunteers
June 18th, 9am-11am
June 22nd, 9am-11am
You must RSVP for a training by emailing vinpturtles@friendsvinp.org
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Friends has been working with Jeff Miller and Karen Cannell on a "Plan Your Snorkel" app! Plan Your Snorkel will be a guide to exploring the underwater beauty of St. John. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a newbie, our app helps you plan your snorkeling adventures within the Virgin Islands National Park.
While Friends has not officially launched Plan Your Snorkel, we want to send it to our supporters and members to try. Let us know what you think!
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Learn To Fish: Junior Anglers
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New to our summer programs is Learn To Fish! About 10 participants, ages 9-15 years old, will learn the basics of responsible fishing. For 2-weeks, the junior anglers will complete workshops led by ancestral fisherfolk, expert anglers, marine biologists, and Friends staff on the history of fishing, the laws of fishing, types, sizes and eligible “take” options, the appropriate safe sites, and proper use of fishing gear.
The participants will have an opportunity to practice fishing from the shore, from kayaks, and from a boat. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a Junior Ranger Angler certificate!
This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation.
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May Membership Drive Winners
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The winners of our May Membership Drive are:
Jessica Hanover of Austin, TX, won the larimar turtle pendant donated by Vibe Jewelry
Christopher Vitrano of West Allis, WI, won the canvas tote full of goodies from the Park Store.
As a special thank you for renewing membership or signing up during the month of May, members were entered into a raffle for a chance to these prizes.
We thank everyone who participated in the May Membership drive. Your membership dues support numerous projects and programs within the park to further our mission and connect our island community and children to the park; support long-term planning efforts in the park; advocate on behalf of the park; and help make us a model of natural resource protection and cultural preservation.
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V.I. National Park Moving Ahead With Caneel Bay Transition to NPS
Virgin Islands Source reports on the Virgin Islands National Park's efforts to transition Caneel Bay to the National Park Service.
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Grand Opening of Natural Resource Building a Community Event
Virgin Islands Daily News covered the Grand Opening at Lind Point. There were dancers, Moko Jumbies, great food, and much more.
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Community engagement is key to our ability to protect and preserve our park today and tomorrow. We would not be able to do the important work that keeps our Virgin Islands National Park thriving for visitors and residents alike without the generous support of local businesses. Here we highlight a business that regularly contributes to support programs that protect and preserve the natural and cultural resources in your park.
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Islandia Real Estate
Christie's International Real Estate
We are so thrilled and grateful for Keleigh Rees and the Islandia team for including us in their magazine! Friends of Virgin Islands National Park put in a page about ways for visitors to enjoy their visit, useful contacts, and Friends programs. We thank them for their support and this opportunity.
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