Earth Day and Reef Fest
The 10th Annual Earth Day Environmental Fair is set to take place at the NPS ball field in Cruz Bay on Friday April 19th from 9:00am until 1:00pm. Approximately 500 students from St. John Christian Academy, Guy Benjamin School, Gifft Hill School, Head Start, the St. John Montessori School, and Julius E. Sprauve School are expected to attend. This year the highlight of the fair will be the 2nd Annual Litter Stomp Parade and poster contest, co-sponsored by the V.I. Waste Management Authority and the Friends of V.I. National Park. Students will take to the streets to march from Julius E. Sprauve School to the National Park Ball Field chanting eco-themed songs and holding signs proclaiming their dedication to keeping our island and planet litter free.
Once at the fair, students will enjoy various displays and presentations from over 20 local organizations. The presentations and exhibits will focus on the fields of natural and cultural resources, renewable energy, recycling, and environmental education. Group representatives will man various booths with interactive and captivating demonstrations. Students will get dirty excavating a simulated archeology dig, learn about local seeds and crafts, crush recycled cans, and help document numerous ways to keep St. John pristine for future generations.
The fun and education will continue at Trunk Bay on Saturday April 20th from 12:00 until 5:00 pm at the fourth annual Reef Fest, the marine themed component to Earth Day. Visitors and locals will be treated to free round trip shuttle service from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay, no beach entrance fee from 11:00 am onward, and reef- educational displays and booths. Volunteers will offer SNUBA demonstrations, education on boating safety, a local shell exhibit, a sand sculpture demonstration, promotion of the new Blue Flag beach program, and various booths aimed to increasing overall knowledge of the state of our coral.
Friends would like to extend a special thank you to our event sponsors: Paul M. Angell Foundation, St. John Audubon Society, and the Community Foundation of the VI. Numerous island businesses and community partners have also donated supplies and giveaways for the event. Friends would like to thank First Bank, Love City Pan Dragons, Maho Bay Camps, Starfish Market, St. John Ice, Cost U Less, Virgin Island Network of Environmental Educators, and Westin Resort & Villas for their generous contributions to all of the events.
We would like to thank the many presenters who will be on hand to teach our youth about their fragile island and global environment through creative activities and booths. However, the real appreciation and thanks must go out to the numerous volunteers who donate their time to make these events happen; their involvement and dedication is admirable, and the events would not happen without them. Remember that earth day ideas should continue all year so be mindful of your footprint on our little island!
