Sea Turtles
4/1/2024
If you are visiting the island between July and November, be aware that this is the active season for preserving sea turtles on St. John. During this period, some 90 trained volunteers keep a watchful eye for active nests and hatchlings on some 40 beaches around the island. It’s estimated that the Sea Turtle Protection Team has over 2000 hatchings that successfully make it to the open sea each year.
What to Do Right Now
4/8/2023
From now to the end of June, the Friends of the National Park have seminars, hikes, demonstrations, boat trips, and volunteer activities scheduled almost every day. Memorial Day weekend is also when the annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim takes place. The swim is a popular event, so register early! For more information inquire at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.
Trail, History and Cultural Programs
3/13/2023
The Friends of the National Park is a non-profit organization that sponsors a variety of educational programs and volunteer activities that help support the National Park and enrich the visitor experience. Volunteers are responsible for trail maintenance and installation of moorings Typical classes include palm weaving, coastal ecology, island biology, West Indian cooking, and local archeology. Other program might include hikes with local scientists, kayaking excursions, and snorkeling tours through the mangroves. More information on programs and volunteer activities is available at the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay and on the Friends’ website at https://friendsvinp.org
Friends of the National Park Store
12/30/2022
The Friends of the St. John Virgin Islands National Park have consolidated their former store at Mongoose Junction with their store at the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay. Visitors can purchase handcrafted items, books, and literature about the island at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center.
Historic Sites on Private Property
04/29/2022
REMINDER: Visitors are reminded that there are historic sites scattered all over St. John. The Virgin Islands National Park controls 58% of the land mass on St. John, which contains most, but not all, of these significant locations. A few prominent sites are situated on private land, and visitors are reminded that they
should seek permission from landowners before accessing private property. Some privately owned sites can be visited on tours organized by local history groups such as the St. John Historical Society, the 1733 St. John African Revolution Commemorative Committee, Friends of the National Park, and the Virgin Islands National Park service. Organizations generally post information on the internet about forthcoming tours and events. Visitors can also inquire at the Virgin Islands Visitor Center in Cruz Bay about tours and special events that may be planned to take place during their stay on St. John. Some of St. John’s prominent heritage sites that are situated on private land include the Susannaberg ruins and the Coral Bay cannon battery, windmill, and Fortsberg ruins. Fortsberg is significant as the location for the start of St. John’s historic Revolt of 1733. The 1733 St. John African Revolution Committee hosts an annual tour of Fortsberg (open to the public) on the day after Thanksgiving. For more information about this commemorative event, check with the Virgin Islands National Park service or call a committee representative at (340) 998-1792. The more adventuresome, may want to consider renting a kayak at Crabby’s in Coral Bay and take in some sightseeing around the harbor. From the middle of the bay, one can get a reasonably decent view of the fort perched atop the conical hill along the shoreline opposite Crabby’s.
Administration Bldg. Plaque Credit Error
04/29/2022
Readers are advised that the name shown on the plague displayed on the wall of the Administration Building in Cruz Bay may be in error. (See St. John On Foot and By Car, pgs. 43-44) . It should have been written as “John Wright,” and not “James Wright.” John Wright was an important person in his time. He was born a slave in 1775, and earned his freedom in 1796 by working as a carpenter. John was the contractor who oversaw construction of the Administration Building and was a staunch advocate for civil rights of his people.
04/29/2022
Sadly, St. John’s iconic baobab tree (See St. John On Foot and By Car, pgs. 89, 143-145) on the Esperance Trail succumbed to its lengthy battle with the Mango Stem Borer (Batocera rufomaculata) in early November 2022. The
Mango Stem Borer is native to Asia and has unfortunately been introduced to St. John. While this is not a native tree it has significant cultural value to the island, so the park service and local horticulturalist Eleanor Gibney are looking at options to replace the historic baobab.
