Greetings!
Often times I am asked about the Friends mission, and what it means to me. There is an assumption that although we may read the same words, their interpretation can vary person to person. Last month, I hosted a panel discussion with leading environmentalists in the Virgin Islands to explore this very topic – the role of language on conservation work in the Virgin Islands.
As I marched alongside hundreds of youth during the annual Earth Day Litter Stomp Parade in Cruz Bay, it became clear to me that our collective efforts to plant, grow, nurture, and love our environment transcend language. We all play a vital role as members of the Friends to deliver on the organization’s mission, in our own way. Joe Kessler, President of the Friends (2002-2019) remarked on this in his retirement speech. At the time I felt it lessened his monumental achievements at the helm of the Friends. After all, he had seen the park go anchorless and established the Park’s archeology program, among many other achievements. However, Joe knew that his most valuable contributions came in the form of the love and friendship he bestowed on those around him.
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of Joe and Cristina Kessler passing on from this Earth together. They were fulfilling their dreams in retirement to visit all of our nation's national parks. From the Litter Stomp Parade to journeys down memory lane, I am reminded of the continuum of this life in these moments. That which we put forth out of love grows, and from that gift of giving ourselves, legacies are born.
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Both Joe and Cristina touched a lot of lives for the better. I do not think I am alone in feeling deep gratitude in knowing them both. Friends will celebrate their legacies at this year’s Beach-to-Beach Power Swim, Joe’s signature event.
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Tonia Lovejoy
Executive Director
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May Membership is a Chance to Win! |
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As a special thank you for renewing your membership or signing up before May 31, you will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a beautiful larimar turtle pendant handcrafted from sterling silver and kindly donated by Vibe Jewelry. A runner-up will receive an awesome canvas tote full of goodies from the Park Store that is managed by Friends valued at $320.
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. Please visit our website to learn more about our work.
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Friends of Virgin Islands National Park's 15th annual Earth Day celebration was a success! The 2024 theme was Growing For Tomorrow!
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Earth Week full of Events! Growing for Tomorrow included the annual Earth Day Fair, Beach Cleanups, Volunteer Tree Planting, and a Plant Giveaway!
The Earth Day Fair hosted about 400 school kids from St. John and St. Thomas with 20 community and environmental partner booths. Thank you to the nine people, businesses, and organizations for adopting a beach this Earth Week for beach cleanups. Our Plant Giveaway saw 300 plants go to new homes. Thank you to everyone for coming out to grab some awesome plants, and a big thanks to Eleanor Gibney for contributing some of her plants, and as always, her expertise.
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Conservation Conversation Panel Discussion Recording Now Available!
What does it mean to be a conservationist in the Virgin Islands? Protecting our place and building a healthy future. Our esteemed panel explored the various lenses that we each bring to the field of 'conservation' and highlighted the common priorities and values we share in the field of conservation of resources in the Virgin Islands, and/or recognized differences to discuss.
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Beach To Beach Power Swim 2024 |
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Register Today! There are just over 25 spots left for the 2024 Beach To Beach Power Swim! Make sure you register now if you plan to swim on Sunday, May 26th.
Every Memorial Day weekend, swimmers take to the beautiful waters in Virgin islands National Park on St. John to raise funds for kid's swim programs, marine conservation, education outreach and more! One of the most beautiful swims in the world, the Power Swim includes the beaches of Maho, Cinnamon, Trunk, and Hawksnest.
Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers to help on the water or on land on race day Sunday, May 26th. Email Jennifer Stone at jstone@friendsvinp.org
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Learn to Swim has a Power Swim Team! Our Learn to Swim program will have a team entered in the 2024 Beach to Beach Power Swim. We are so excited for them! Did you know that the Power Swim supports programs like Learn to Swim?
More than a safety issue, being able to swim opens up a world of joy above and below the water as well as employment opportunities in the tourism and marine industries and areas like marine research and conservation.
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Sponsor a swimmer or get sponsors as a swimmer! If you aren't swimming this year, you can sponsor a swimmer. Your sponsorship helps support the protection and preservation of your park! If you are swimming this year, you can start a fundraiser and send it to your family and friends. Help support our programs like Learn to Swim! |
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Friends has a full schedule of seminars, hikes, demonstrations, boat trips, and volunteer opportunities going on through May 2024. Check out our website or follow us on Facebook or Instagram to get regular reminders and updates on happenings and events! Please join us.
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Guided Reef Bay Hike | Every Monday and Tuesday | This popular three mile guided hike of Reef Bay Trail includes a boat pickup at the bottom! Spots fill up fast so book now.
Awesome Turtle Boat Trip | Last trip of the season on May 10 | Pick ups/drop offs in both St. Thomas and St. John | This unique experience on an Ocean Surfari boat is hosted by a sea turtle and coral ecosystem expert. Only a few spots left!
Cinnamon Bay Campground Chats | Mondays - Fridays | 5:30PM to 6:30PM | Sea Turtles, Traditional Arts and Crafts, Music of the Caribbean, Coral Reef Protection, and other guest topics! Check them out now, because May is the last month!
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Scholarship Applications Due May 24 |
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The future of conservation on St. John resides in our youth. We are focused on building a pipeline of concerned and engaged citizens starting with School Kids In The Park (SKIP) and Learn To Swim programs through scholarships, summer job opportunities and internships.
We offer two scholarship programs to St. John High School seniors or undergraduate students studying in a field that contributes to natural and cultural conservation: the Noble Samuel Scholarship and the Jeffrey Matheny Scholarship. These scholarships close on May 24th, so apply now!
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Summer Trail Crew Applications Due May 10 |
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The Friends’ Summer Trail Crew is an 8 week program from June 10 to August 2, 2024 that provides a professional job opportunity to Virgin Island high school students (ages 15 to 18) interested in conservation.
This is an opportunity for students to gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, work outdoors as part of a team, and learn about Virgin Islands National Park.
Applications are due May 10th!
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Park Superintendent Says Engaging Community A Key Part Of Job
Virgin Islands Daily News spoke with the new Park Superintendent, Penelope Del Bene, providing an overview of her career and her emphasis on building relationships and trust with the community. Read Article Here
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Court Rules: Caneel Bay Resort Belongs to the U.S. Government
Virgin Islands Daily News has reported on the District Court ruling on the ownership of Caneel Bay. Read Article Here.
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Grand Opening! The Lind Point construction of the Resource Management and Science building is finished, and the Virgin Islands National Park is hosting a celebratory grand opening that will showcase the Love City Pan Dragons, Bamboula dancers, and moko jumbies. Read Article Here.
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The NPS Finger Pier is back!
Virgin Islands National Park Cruz Bay Finger Pier is open for public use. The Park reminds folks that vessels are permitted 15 minutes for active loading and unloading of passengers and that the NPS bulkhead is no longer available for public use. Read More Here.
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Business Spotlight: Power Swim Sponsors |
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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. The support and generosity of the St. John community is awe inspiring. Meet the sponsors of the 2023 Beach To Beach Power Swim!
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Our thanks to St. John Insurance Agency, Master's Insurance Group, TOPA Insurance, USVI Tourism, 340 Real Estate, First Bank, Femme Royale, Paradise Lumber, Mongoose Junction, VIBE Jewelry, TOPA Properties, Maho Crossroads, Salt Deck, Salty Daze, Islandia Real Estate, Merchants Bank, Baker, Magras & Associates, St. John Hardware, Windspree Vacation Homes, Tycheros Capital Management, Lime Inn, Lime Out, Wharfside Watersports, Prosolar Systems, High Tide Restaurant, Seaside at Grand Bay, Designs, Gallows Point, Low Key Watersports, Ocean Runner, St. John Physical Therapy, Chelsea Drug Store, Holiday Homes, Alfredo's Landscaping,
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St. John Dinghy Rental, Rotary Club of St. John, The Longboard, Synergy Fitness & Wellness Center, Cruz Bay Watersports, The Little Things, USVI Expeditions, Stream 2 Sea, St. John Brewers, Reef2Peak St. John, Tshirt One, Love City Ice, St. John Coastal, Race Impressions, Cinnamon Bay Campground, Kate N' Design, St. John Rescue, Daily News, Landlubber Logistics, Dave and Jerry's Steakhouse, NBC, Sam and Jack's Deli, Irie Pops, LCCN, Shambles Bar & Grill, Trunk Bay Snack Shack, Little Olive, Sun Dog Café, and Hunter Foods |
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