Greetings!

The renowned marine biologist and oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle celebrated her birthday last month. At 90, she continues to inspire with actions and words to live by. One of my favorite quotes of hers is a wonderful reminder that every small action we individually take, matters. As she says: "I have lots of heroes: anyone and everyone who does whatever they can to leave the natural world better than they found it." Your support of our work makes you our hero! Thank you.

Dr. Earle has a special connection with St. John as one of the members of the all woman aquanaut team in the Tektite program. Tektite was a fascinating public private research project involving parties like NASA, the US Navy, GE and more that took place in Virgin Islands National Park. In an effort to capture this extraordinary project, Friends is sponsoring the development of a documentary by Steve Simonsen and William Seltzer. I encourage anyone interested in learning more to watch the documentary trailer or read some of the archive material on our website.

Here on island, it’s a time of change and new beginnings. Laughing gulls are departing, sea turtles are nesting, and kids are back in school. It is a time of hope and potential as we look ahead to planning the upcoming season’s seminars, guided hikes, tours, educational activities, and more! We are proud to be helping advance the protection of the natural and cultural resources in the park. It is a privilege and responsibility we take to heart. 

Your donations and support make us possible. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you are interested in making a contribution and have questions. May you enjoy the change of season and the last of the summer rays wherever you are!

Warmly,

Tonia Lovejoy

Executive Director

Sea Turtle Nesting Season Update

We are happy to report that it's been a busy sea turtle nesting season! Thanks to our turtle team and incredible crew of volunteers, so far, 27 (26 Hawksbill, 1 Green) nests have been found and protected! Four nests have already hatched with 465 hatchlings making it to the ocean.



🐢 Thank you for doing your part to help us protect our endangered sea turtle population:

• Please do not touch the turtles and keep a distance of at least 6 feet.
• Report any signs of nesting activity to vinpturtles@friendsvinp.org or (760) 470-8995. Do not disturb the area or walk on the crawl. Take photos.
• Report turtles in distress or stranded throughout the USVI to the STAR network: (340) 690-0474
• Boaters slow down for those below particularly close to shore.
• Leave no trace and take of your beach gear and trash with you. Please fill in holes you dig as nesting females and hatchlings can get trapped in them.
• Wear mineral-based reef safe sunscreen. Other sunscreen is banned in the USVI because it harms coral and other turtle food.
• Reduce plastic use particularly plastic bags and straws as they look like food.

Plan Your Snorkel

Plan Your Snorkel is your guide to exploring the underwater beauty of St. John, brought to you by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a newbie, our app helps you plan your snorkeling adventures within the Virgin Islands National Park.

The App includes maps, descriptions of all the best spots, and a fish, coral and creature identifier.

St. John Voices

Here, St.John is an oral history about Virgin Islands National Park and St. John made possible by a grant from the National Endowment For The Humanities. It serves to give voice to the heritage, culture and natural history as told by born St. Johnians and resident scientists. These stories recall historical details of the people and the natural life of the island that shape this place. 

Call For Villas

Our 9th Annual Villas for the Park Auction will run for two weeks from November 14 to 28, 2025.

This important fundraising event is made possible thanks to the generosity of hotel and villa owners and managers who donate stays! If you are in a position to donate a stay, please contact Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org.

News From The Park

VISITOR CENTER & PARK STORE

A reminder to stop by the National Park Visitor Center & Park Store in Cruz Bay to learn more about the park, pick up a map, or browse the book or merch selection. The Visitor Center is open Monday to Thursday from 8:15am to 4pm and on Friday from 8:15am to 1:30pm.

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.

LOW KEY WATERSPORTS AND OCEAN RUNNER

In and on the water everyday, Low Key demonstrably shares Friends commitment to conservation. They donate $1 for every one of their diver guests, sponsor our events, donate boat trips to fundraisers, and serve as the pickup boat for the Reef Bay Hike. Thank you to Ted and Kathee Kramm and Jeremy Prudhomme of Low Key Watersports for sharing our passion and supporting the work we do.

Turtle Sand Towel

Was $48 / NOW $33.60

Big Iguana Plushy

Was $25 / NOW $15

Shell Sand Towel

Was $48 / NOW $33.60

Hatchling Plushy Was $18 / NOW $12.60

Octotwins Sand Towel Was $84 / Now $50.40

STJ Playing Cards Was $8 / NOW $6

Useful Numbers