Friends Marks Earth Day With Community
Press Release | St. John, US Virgin Islands, April 11, 2023 – Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s 14th annual Earth Day celebration takes place in Franklin Powell Park on Friday, April 21 following a week of coastal cleanups and tree giveaways. The theme this year highlights the need for marine conservation and coral reef preservation.
“In the midst of the many challenges in the world of conservation, the focus that Earth Day provides a wonderful reminder that much of what we do is focused on embracing a love of life, believing in possibilities, and working towards a hopeful future,” said Tonia Lovejoy, Executive Director of Friends. “It is an opportunity to excite and engage our youth who are the environmental stewards of the future and celebrate the passion and support of some 30 organizations and businesses who share our belief that lots of small actions add up.”
Each year Friends puts together the annual environmental fair for St. John school students focused on learning how to work and live sustainably in the Virgin Islands. The Earth Day Fair kicks off with a Litter Stomp Parade lead by VI Waste Management’s Litter Critter with a pizza party prize for the class in each school with the most creative Litter Stomp Crew. Booths at the fair hosted by community organizations, businesses, and UVI students cover subjects as diverse as coral reef protection, Cruz Bay history, birds, plants, turtles, recycling, and mangrove protection. This event is attended by students at STJ schools and includes a Junior Ranger Award ceremony, and recognition for the waste management workers.
Earth Day is made possible thanks to our partners and sponsors: Liberty Foundation, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, USVI Sports, Park & Recreation, Cafe Roma, USVI Tourism, and Virgin Islands National Park.
Visit the Friends Earth Day page on the website for the Earth Week schedule, a list of the booths and participating organizations, and more — https://friendsvinp.org/earth-day/
