Honoring Earth Month:
Celebrating the Work of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park

At Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate, we believe that living and working on St. John is not just a privilege but also a responsibility. In recognition of Earth Month and Earth Day on April 22, we are excited to highlight an organization whose mission we deeply respect and support throughout the year: Friends of Virgin Islands National Park (Friends of VINP).

As the official philanthropic partner of Virgin Islands National Park, Friends of VINP is committed to protecting and preserving the natural and cultural resources of St. John—from its vibrant coral reefs and native wildlife to historical landmarks and educational outreach programs. Many members of our team take pride in being supporters, volunteers, and donors to this incredible organization, and we are honored to share more about their impactful work.

Protecting What We Love: Land, Sea & Community

Marine Conservation & Reef Protection
Friends of VINP plays a vital role in preserving the island’s delicate marine ecosystems. Through initiatives such as coral reef monitoring, marine debris cleanups, sea turtle nesting protection, and boater education, they help ensure the longevity of the vibrant underwater life of St. John.

In 2024 alone, nearly 2,500 turtle hatchlings safely made it to the sea, thanks to the Friends’ Turtle Protection Program, which relies on the support of volunteers and donors.

These programs safeguard our reefs for future generations and help maintain the ecological balance that supports both marine life and coastal health.

 

Land Stewardship & Sustainable Trails
The organization’s work extends across the trails and terrain of Virgin Islands National Park. Friends of VINP maintains over 25 miles of hiking trails, restores native plant species, and protects endangered land-based habitats. Additionally, they maintain cultural artifacts and historic ruins that narrate the rich heritage of St. John.

The goal is to create a sustainable and accessible park that can be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

 

Youth Education & Island Connection
Through eco-camps, Learn-to-Swim programs, conservation internships, and trail crews, Friends of VINP connects local youth to the natural world. These programs empower the next generation of conservationists while fostering a strong sense of place and environmental responsibility.

These initiatives not only teach valuable skills but also nurture a deep, lasting connection between local youth and the land they call home.

 

 

Get Involved:
Upcoming Event Highlight

Earth Month in Action
Looking for a hands-on way to celebrate Earth Month? Join Friends of Virgin Islands National Park for two meaningful volunteer opportunities that directly support the preservation of St. John’s natural beauty. Whether you’re helping restore a beloved hiking trail or cleaning up one of the island’s pristine beaches, these events are a chance to give back, connect with the community, and protect the places we all love.

Drunk Bay Cleanup – Saturday, April 19 | 9:00 AM
Join Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park for a meaningful morning at the Salt Pond parking lot. This beach cleanup supports marine life and helps keep our natural spaces pristine. Students may earn community service hours!

Brown Bay Trail Cleanup – Thursday, April 24 | 9:00 AM
Meet the volunteer trail crew at the Brown Bay trailhead (on the Coral Bay side) and help maintain one of the island’s treasured hiking paths. It’s a great way to give back and explore the island’s lush landscape.

 

The Beach-to-Beach Power Swim
One of the most exciting ways to support Friends of VINP is through the annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim, which takes place every Memorial Day Weekend. Now in its 21st year, this world-renowned swim raises funds for:

Swimmers navigate the crystal-clear waters between Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Hawknest Bay, and Trunk Bay—four of the most iconic beaches on St. John. Ranked #23 on the World’s Top 100 Open Water Swims and #7 on the Top 100 Island Swims, it’s one of the most beautiful swims in the world and a meaningful way to support an important cause.

Learn more or register to swim at: https://friendsvinp.org/power-swim

Join the Mission

Friends of VINP welcomes newcomers, long-time residents, visitors, and volunteers to become members, donors, and champions for the island. Whether you choose to support them financially, volunteer your time, or help spread awareness, your involvement directly impacts the protection of the places that make St. John so special.

Ways to Support

A Shared Commitment to St. John

At Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate, we are proud to live, work, and give back in a place that inspires us every day. We remain committed to supporting the efforts of Friends of VINP and encouraging our community to join in protecting the beauty, biodiversity, and history of the Virgin Islands National Park—not just in April, but all year long.

From land to sea, and from wildlife to historic ruins, their efforts reflect the values we hold dear: preservation, community, and connection to place. We encourage our friends, clients, and visitors to learn more about this remarkable organization and find ways to get involved.

Let’s preserve this paradise—together.