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Dear Tonia,
The meaning and impact of the work we do is captured in data and impressive numbers, as well as in the smiles, the cheers, the cries, the reflections of joyful moments, the lessons learned, and the awe we witness in the park.
These words are the opening to my letter in our 2024 Impact Report, and when you read it, you’ll see what I mean. While taking an inventory of the park programs and projects we’ve supported through the years is breathtaking, it’s nothing compared to the gracious breath of air that indicates a person in awe.
We’ve invested millions of dollars and hours of manpower to protect and preserve our park for us to have that opportunity of wonder, today and tomorrow.
I hope this holiday season you will join me in celebrating our connection to one another, and our park. We kicked off the month with our annual plant giveaway at which we gave away 150 plants mostly cultivated in our nursery, it was a pleasure to spend time talking about the nurturing of papaya trees, century plants, and water lemon vines. This connection of people to place and plants is integral to what we do in our trails management and plant restoration programs as an investment in today and tomorrow.
Please take a look at our Impact Report, register to attend our Annual Meeting in January, and celebrate the achievements that your generosity funded even as we focus on the work ahead.
Thank you for considering Friends of Virgin Islands National Park in your end of year giving. Together we are the park's best Friends!
Warmly,
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Tonia Lovejoy
Executive Director
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Friends of Virgin Islands National Park publishes an annual Impact Report to highlight our work and achievements. This report serves as a record of what is possible when a small team of committed staff supported by donors, members, sponsors and volunteers work with common purpose.
Please read our 2024 Impact Report and share in our pride for the work that got done as we dive full tilt into a new season and plan for the future.
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Explore. Learn. Volunteer. | |
Experience the gifts of Virgin Islands National Park through a series of hikes, seminars, demonstrations, boat trips, and more from October to June. | | |
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DECEMBER EVENTS
- Community Plant Giveaway | Tues Dec 3
- Annaberg Cultural Demonstrations | Mon to Wed
- Cinnamon Campground Chats | Mon to Fri
- Maho Sea Turtle Info Table | Tues | 9am to 11am
- Unique Turtle Boat Excursion | Second Fridays | Dec 13
- Francis Bay Bird Walk | Fri 6 & 13
- Volunteer Trail Crew | every Tues & Thurs
- Learn To Swim | every Sat
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UNIQUE TURTLE BOAT & SNORKEL EXCURSION
Second Fridays until May | starting December 13 | Departs St. Thomas & St. John
This experience is hosted by a sea turtle, coral and marine expert and explores the marine underworld in Virgin Islands National Park.
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Learning outdoors is fun! The school year is in full swing with 17 field trips by St. John and St. Thomas schools to the park in the past month. Subjects covered included birds, sea turtles, plants and history. There have been hikes and visits to Ram Head, Cinnamon Loop Trail, Leinster Bay Network To Freedom Trail, Annaberg, and the Friends Plant Nursery.
The School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program aims to encourage educators to utilize the Park as a living classroom by facilitating visits to the Park and working to remove barriers that may limit students' participation like transportation costs. Thank you for making this possible.
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Annual Meeting
January 25, 2025
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Please join Friends of Virgin Islands National Park on Saturday, January 25 from 11am to 2pm for our Annual Meeting at Raintree Cafe at Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground. All are welcome.
The meeting will include an update from Virgin Islands National Park Superintendent, Penelope "Penny" Del Bene, remarks from Friends Executive Director, Tonia Lovejoy and more, as well as a question and answer session. The event will be followed by a reception with light refreshments and lunch.
We ask that you please register so that we can determine space, shuttle bus, and lunch requirements.
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SPECIAL PROGRAM: CULTURAL SIMILARITIES IN WEST AFRICA AND THE CARIBBEAN | Saturday, December 14 at 10AM to 2PM | Lind Point Resource Management and Science (RMS) Building Conference Room.
West African and Caribbean people have many things in common. Come share a cultural exchange with Mr. Samuel Acquaah to learn about shared history, iconic symbols of philosophy and culture, herbal medication, games, folklore (Ananse/Spider stories), food, and more!
A safari will leave from the visitor center parking lot at 9:45AM and return at 2PM to
drop off near the visitor center and then the Ferry Dock. Limited parking available at Lind Point and Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
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WELLNESS WALK | Join park staff at the end of every month through August for a walk in the park. The next walk is on Saturday, December 21 at 9am. Check their facebook page for details.
NASA EXHIBIT AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM | December 9 to 11 | NASA will be visiting St. John sharing information on Deep Space Logistics, Launch Services Program, Exploration Ground Systems, and Night Sky Exploration. They will have a booth in the National Park Visitor Center on December 9, 10 and 11 from 8am to 1pm, and will be doing a Night Sky program on December 11 from 8:15pm to 9pm at Cinnamon Bay Campground.
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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. | | |
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VILLAS FOR THE PARK AUCTION & FUNDRAISER
Thank you to everyone who bid in the auction! We hope that all the winners enjoy their vacation in the Virgin Islands! The auction raised $113,000 that will go towards supporting our programs including sea turtle protection, plant restoration and School Kids In The Park.
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This event is only possible thanks to the owners and managers who donated stays to the auction. Shout out to: Aahana Grande Bay Resort, Bombalassy Villa, Coral Caribe Villa, Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel, Dreamview On The Hill, Dream Come True, Fish Tales Cottage, Frenchman’s Reef Buoy House, Garden By The Sea, Lime Time, Lots of Knots, Marketplace Suites, Mayan Sky, Meridian Villa, Mystical Mermaid, On A Clear Day, Rebecca’s Fancy, Reef Break Vista, Rileys Retreat, St. John Inn, Seaside at Grande Bay Resort, Stonehouse, Sunnyside Villa, Sunset Ridge Villa, The Fred Boutique Resort & Spa, The Green Iguana Hotel, The Hills St John, The Last Resort, The Other World Villa, Turtle’s Nest, Villa Adagio, Villa Bijou, Villa Circe, Villa Madeline, and Wharfside Village Hotel. | | | | |
