Greetings!

Happy holidays to one and all!

Take a look and meet a few of the folks that make the magic happen at the Friends below. From protecting baby sea turtles (so far this season 1,314 hatchlings made it to the sea thanks to helpful humans!), to keeping the trails cleared and our youth engaged in conservation, our team is committed to preservation efforts today for all to enjoy tomorrow! 

We thank you as donors, sponsors, members and volunteers for the gift of your support that makes our work possible and gifts joy and hope. Please donate today to keep these amazing programs in action in 2024!

Warm wishes to you,
From the team at Friends of Virgin Islands National Park
"At the age of six I saw my first green sea turtle, and in that moment I knew I wanted to be a sea turtle biologist. The amazing conservation nesting work and research on St. John would not be possible without the National Park Service, the sea turtle program volunteers, and the Friends working together. It is known that some 25 years later sea turtles will return to the beach where they were born to lay their eggs. I am grateful that the hatchlings that leave the shores of St. John will have protected beaches to come back to thanks to our supporters. The island-strong connectivity and passion centered around sea turtles is powerful and inspiring."
Willow Melamet
Sea Turtle Program Coordinator
Willow
"As we wrap up another year, I'm filled with gratitude and appreciation for my colleagues at the Friends, our counterparts at Virgin Islands National Park, and all of the volunteers, donors, and supporters who help us to fulfill our mission. I'm proud of our organization's accomplishments and I'm excited to build on that success in the 2024 season."
Mark Gestwicki
Program Director
“The park was my backyard as a child. My father worked for the National Park Service so I grew up there. Working for the Friends and sharing this beautiful place with others makes me incredibly happy. Thank you for appreciating its beauty and helping protect and preserve it.”
Chela Thomas
Executive Assistant
"The love that people near and far have for Virgin Islands National Park is inspiring. Working for the Friends has given me so much joy. It's amazing to see so many people come together whenever you ask for good causes, great events, to meet new friends and to just be a part of taking care of our tiny little piece of the world here on St. John. However you support our mission, I appreciate you. See you soon!"
Jennifer Stone
Membership & Events Coordinator