Friends of the National Park Schedule Nature Events for March
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 March is as follows: Marine Biology Sailing Trip 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 4 aboard the catamaran Calypso. Stop at two to three snorkel spots to explore the area with a park marine biologist. Meet at the park Visitor's Center dock with sunscreen, water and lunch. Fee is $80 for non-members and $70 for members.
Salt Pond Ecology 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., March 8 at Salt Pond. Park ranger Deanna Somerville discusses salt pond ecology and traditional methods of salt collection. Meet at the Salt Pond trail parking lot with sunscreen, water, and a hat. Fee is $35 for non-members and $30 for members.
Elk Horn Investigation 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 11. Snorkel with U.S. Geological Survey marine ecologist Caroline Rogers along St. John's North Shore on this boat tour. Learn why elkhorn coral is being considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Meet at the park Visitor's Center dock with lunch, water, snorkel gear, hat, and sunscreen. Fee is $70 for non-members and $60 for members.
Full Moon Hike to Ram Head 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., March 15. Hike to the top of Ram Head, the southernmost point on St. John, with ranger Don Near to learn about the area's natural and cultural history. Meet at the Salt Pond parking lot with water, snack, bug repellent, and flashlight or headlamp. Fee is $35 for non-members and $30 for members.
Kayak Hurricane Hole 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 18 with Arawak Expeditions. Explore Coral Reef National Monument with guide Barry Devine, a scientist at UVI. Meet at Skinny Legs Restaurant in Coral Bay with lunch, water, snorkel gear, and sunscreen. Fee is $75 for members and $65 for non-members.
St. John Architecture, 9 a.m. to noon, March 22. Visit several homes and locations with architect Michael Milne. Meet at Sun Dog Café in Mongoose Junction to car pool. Fee is $30 for non-members and $25 for members.
Coastal Ecology 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 25. Circumnavigate St. John aboard the Sadie Sea with the park's chief of resource management, Rafe Boulon, as your guide. Snorkel, wade and float in mangrove lagoons, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and beaches. Meet at the park Visitor's Center dock with lunch, water, wading shoes, and snorkel gear. The fee is $80 for non-members and $70 for members.