Friends of the National Park Schedule Nature Events for April
With winter come the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park seminars, an annual series that runs from January through April. Since class size is limited, people should sign up now. The schedule for April is as follows: Video Workshop 8 a.m. to noon, April 1. Learn to make professional quality videos with videographer and photographer Steve Simonsen at a variety of St. John locations. Meet at the park Visitor's Center dock with video camera, extra batteries, instruction manual, and tripod. Fee is $40 for non-members and $35 for members.
Traditional West Indian Cuisine 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., April 2 at Julius E. Sprauve School. Joyce Sprauve will show you how to prepare traditional West Indian dishes. The fee is $30 for non-members and $25 for non-members.
Beach Cat Adventure Sail 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 19 on the Hobie Getaway. Guide Han Winogrond will sail you to Congo and Lovango Cays to explore the history and ecology of the area. Meet at the Cruz Bay ferry dock with snorkel gear, sunscreen, hat, water, and lunch. Fee is $80 for non-members and $75 for members.
A Glimpse into St. John's Early History 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., April 8 with Guy Benjamin. Now in his 90's, Benjamin takes participants back in time as he shares memories of the days when St. John had only a couple hundred homes and residents traveled on donkeys. Meet at Vie's Snack Shack on the East End, or carpool from Cruz Bay with money for lunch at Vie's. Fee is $30 for non-members and $25 for members.
Biological/Geological Shoreline Walk 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., April 15 with USGS geologist Ruth Deike and marine naturalist Lucy Portlock to learn about the geology and biology as you explore Little Caneel Bay's shoreline. Meet at the Caneel Bay gift shop with shoes you can get wet, snack and water. Fee is $30 for non-members and $25 for members.
Learn to Make Coconut Oil 10 a.m. to noon, April 26 with park ranger Deanna Somerville. Participants will learn the process from the tree to the nut to the oil. Meet at Maho Bay Camps' F Pavilion with lunch, a hammer and grater. Fee is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
St. John Architecture 9 a.m. to noon, April 29 with architect Rob Crane. Tour several homes to learn about their structure and significance, as well as St. John architecture. Meet at Sun Dog Café at Mongoose Junction to carpool. Fee is $30 for non-member and $25 for members.