Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (Christiansted)
The refuge hosts the largest nesting population of leatherback sea turtles under US jurisdiction. Since 1981 Earthwatch volunteers have assisted in translocating leatherback nests that are in erosion zones and providing a presence to deter egg poaching. Over 350 leatherback nests may be laid during the nesting season. In addition, hawksbill & green turtles nest on the refuge. Sandy Point has the longest beach area in the US Virgin Islands.
Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserv (Christiansted)
Salt River Bay is a living museum on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites and ruins are found in a dynamic, tropical ecosystem that supports threatened and endangered species. In 1992 Congress created Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve as part of the National Park System. The National Park Service and Government of the United States Virgin Islands jointly manage this 1, 015-acre park. The area?
Virgin Islands National Park (St. John)
Virgin Islands National Park, renowned throughout the world for its breathtaking beauty, covers approximately 3/5 of St. John, and nearly all of Hassel Island in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on St. Thomas. Within its borders lie protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life, white sandy beaches shaded by seagrape trees, coconut palms, and tropical forests providing habitat for over 800 species of plants.
Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge (Christiansted)
Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge (Christiansted)
Buck Island Reef National Monument (Christiansted, St. Croix)
Buck Island Reef National Monument was established by Presidential proclamation in 1961, and expanded in 2001, in order to preserve "one of the finest marine gardens in the Caribbean Sea." The park is now one of only a few fully marine protected areas in the National Park System. The 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem support a large variety of native flora and fauna, including several endangered and threatened species such as hawksbill turtles and brown pelicans.
Christiansted National Historic Site (Christiansted, St. Croix)
Christiansted National Historic Site was established in 1952 through the initiative of concerned local citizens. The park?s mandate is twofold - to preserve the historic structure and grounds within its boundaries, and to interpret the Danish economy and way of life here between 1733 and 1917. The park consists of seven acres centered on the Christiansted waterfront/wharf area.
Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (St. John)
The clear waters surrounding St. John support a diverse and complex system of coral reefs. The health of these reefs is closely tied to its component plants and animals as well as adjacent non-coral marine environments such as sandy bottoms, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Seeking to provide greater protection to the sensitive coral reef resources President Clinton established the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument on January 17, 2001.