Greetings!

This spectacular view from America Hill is worth the climb. Looking out across the bays of Francis and Maho at floating clouds is a joy and a privilege. Vistas like this make dreaming possible and remind us how important it is to protect the natural and cultural resources in this place.

Today we protect the future and celebrate a sea turtle season that has already seen a record 3,273 hatchlings venturing out into the big, wide ocean. We thank volunteers who have patrolled our beaches for nesting activity since July and others who are working on our trails to keep them safe for hikers and clearing historic sites so that they may live on.

Applications for our two undergraduate scholarships are now open gifting us the opportunity to support young Virgin Islanders as they pursue their dreams. Friends of Virgin Islands National Park is committed to building a pipeline of education opportunities including our School Kids In The Park, Learn To Swim and Summer Trail Crew programs—and internships and scholarships like these.

Right now, I need your support to help continue all of these programs and make a difference in this small corner of our beautiful world. Make donating to the Friends the one thing you do today to make a difference tomorrow. Your action is important!

Markets are soaring to record highs. If you are one of the beneficiaries, there has never been a more impactful, and tax-savvy time to give. By donating appreciated stock to Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, you can avoid capital gains taxes and support vital conservation, education, and cultural preservation efforts. It’s a powerful way to turn growth into good.

I am so grateful to supporters like you and wish you and your loved ones a healthy and happy holiday season!

Warmly,

Tonia Lovejoy

Executive Director

Turtle Nesting Season Joy

While we still have 6 hawksbill nests incubating, sea turtle nesting season on St. John is winding down. What a season it has been with 3,273 hatchlings making it to the sea surpassing last year's record high of 3,221 since the program started in 2015!

In all 42 nests (35 hawksbill and 7 green) were monitored and protected by 75 trained volunteers. 16 beaches had documented nesting activity.

MEET THE TEAM

Guided Sea Turtle Snorkeling & Boat Trip: This unique experience is hosted by a sea turtle, coral and marine expert and explores the marine underworld in Virgin Islands National Park. Boat departs from St. Thomas and St. John every second Friday morning (Dec 12, Jan 9, Feb 13, Mar 13, Apr 10, May 8). Tickets needed.

Turtle Talk: Cinnamon Campground Chats take place Monday to Friday from 6pm to 7pm in The Raintree Cafe. Mondays are all about turtles.

Maho Turtle Table: Chat to the team and some of our awesome volunteers every Tuesday morning from 9am to 11am on Maho Bay Beach.

Trail Crew At Work

We are only 4 weeks into trail season and 10.2 miles of the 27 miles in the Park have been cleared. Thanks to the assistance of service groups like the American Hiking Society and volunteers working with Lila Uzzell, our Trails Program Manager, 571 hours of hot, sweaty volunteer work have been done.

Trails including Lind Point, Caneel Hill, Margaret Hill, Tamarind, Francis Bay, Leinster Bay, and others have been cleared. As have the historic sites of Annaberg, Catherineberg, Peace Hill, America Hill, and Francis Bay Greathouse.

VOLUNTEER ON THE TRAILS

Volunteer on the walk up trail crew every Tuesday and Thursday morning through the end of May and help us maintain trails, clear historical sites, plant trees, and remove trash. Work locations and meeting times are posted on Mondays on our website as well as on Facebook and Instagram.

Scholarship Applications Open

Applications for the 2026/27 academic year for our two undergraduate scholarship programs: the Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship and the Noble Samuel Scholarship and Internship, are open.

The annual scholarships award $5,000 per academic year and are open to St. John and St. Thomas youth, who are currently high school seniors or undergraduates.

Learn. Explore. Volunteer.

We work hard to share our passion for the natural and cultural resources in the Park. Please join us at one of our events.

Our calendar of things to do in the Park includes opportunities to meet Ms. Olivia at the Annaberg bakehouse, listen to Ital Delroy Anthony share his passion for island crafts in a Cinnamon Campground Chat, learn about all things birds in Francis Bay with Laurel Brannick, and snorkel with turtles on a boat trip with one of our turtle team.

Villa Book Flyers Available

Attention St. John villa and hotel owners and managers!

We have flyers available for you to share with your guests that include tips on responsible visitation, useful numbers, and things to do in the Park.

Please contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org or (340) 779-4940 for copies.

Business Spotlight

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.

Vibe Jewelry

As an Affinity Partner, Vibe Jewelry, donates 10% of every purchase of their Sea Critter Collection to Friends.

In addition, they generously donate prizes to our Membership Drive and Annual Gala raffle, and sponsor our volunteer shirts and the Annual Joe Kessler's Beach To Beach Power Swim. Partners like them make a difference in our world!

Please visit their website or stop by one of their stores and thank them for their support!

Local businesses interested in becoming an Affinity Partner should please contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org.

Shop The Park Store

Shop online or stop by the National Park Visitor Center & Park Store in Cruz Bay which is open Monday to Thursday from 8:15am to 4pm and on Friday from 8:15am to 1:30pm. Proceeds support natural and cultural resource protection and preservation.

Commemorative Coin

Eagle Ray Tee

Passport Stickers

Love Turtle Tee

Hiking Map

Trunk Trucker Hat

Useful Numbers