Friends of the National Park Schedule Nature Events for January
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 January is as follows: Turtle Adventure Sail, 12:45 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 14. Sail with park ranger Sheri Caseau aboard the Castaway Girl to Buck Island, where participants will look for green and hawksbill turtles while snorkeling seagrass beds. Meet at Charlotte Amalie Waterfront with a swimsuit, hat and sunscreen. Fee is $60 for non-members and $50 for members.
History of St. John Creole, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Jan. 18, at Nazareth Lutheran Church Hall. Linguist Elroy Sprauve explains the patterns, expression and history of the language heard on St. John. Fee is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Native Plant Hike, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 21, on the Cinnamon Bay Trail. Botanist and plant ecologist Gary Ray explains the trail's native plants. Meet at the Cinnamon Bay parking lot with binoculars, water, sunscreen, and bug repellent. Fee is $35 for non-members and $30 for members.
Explore Susannaberg Ruins, 9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 22. Visit these privately-owned ruins with historian David Knight to learn what Susannaberg was like from 1717 to 1917. The property has a gravesite, windmill and estate ruins. Meet at the entrance to Susannaberg Estate with snack, water, sunscreen, bug repellent, and hat. Fee is $35 for non-members and $30 for members.
Afro-Caribbean Drumming Workshop, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 25, at Catherineberg Ruins. Drummer Eddie Bruce will demonstrate basic entertainment and ritual drumming techniques of West African and Afro-Caribbean cultures. Bring a drum if you have one. Fee is $25 for non-members and $20 for members.
Archaeology Boat Trip on the North Shore, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 28. Park archaeologist Ken Wild will discuss archaeological discoveries in a number of bays along St. John's North Shore. An 18th-century shipwreck is one highlight. Meet at the park Visitor's Center boat dock with lunch, water, sunscreen, a hat and snorkel gear. Fee is $80 for non-members and $70 for members.
Marine Biology Sailing Trip, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jan. 29. Sail aboard the classic ketch Breath to snorkel the marine treasures of St. John's East End. A park biologist will be your guide. Meet at the Coral Bay dock with snorkel gear, sunscreen, lunch and water. Fee is $80 for non-members and $70 for members.