Space in the annual Friends of V.I. National Park Seminar Series fills up fast, so sign up soon by calling the Friends office or at the Friends of the Park Store in Mongoose Junction shopping center in Cruz Bay.
“We have lots of new classes this year,” said Friends program manager Audrey Penn.
Signing up for a seminar gives participants a chance to hear from park staff and others who do not regularly lead tours but are experts in their fields, Penn said.
The seminar series also raises money for the Friends programs that support the park.
Friends members receive a reduction in the fee.
The series kicks off in January. Here’s a list of the offerings.
– Jan. 5. Reef Fish Identification, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn how to identify fish with park ranger Laurel Brannick on board the motor vessel Low Key. Meet at the park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay with snorkel gear, lunch, water, towel and sunscreen. The fee is $85.
– Jan. 6. Cruz Bay Historical Tour, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tour historic downtown Cruz Bay with local historian David Knight. Learn about this unique district founded in 1766 and Knight’s recent efforts to have the area formally recognized as a Historic District. Meet at Friends of the Park Store in Mongoose Junction. Bring a notebook and water. The fee is $45.
– Jan. 9. Batik Making, from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn the technique of using wax resist and dye to create layered designs on recycled cloth with Maho Bay Camps textile artist Annalisa Jensen. Pick up your creations at the Friends of the Park Store when dry. Meet at Maho Bay Camps Art Center wearing closed-toe shoes and an apron or old clothing. The fee is $75.
– Jan. 10. Lameshur Bay History Walk, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Randy Brown and other V.I. Environmental Resource Station staff lead a historical walk around Lameshur Bay starting at the sugar and bay rum oil mill ruins. The seminar includes an interpretive hike of the quarter-mile Yawzi Trail to the remains of an 18th-century great house. The trip ends at VIERS for a tour of the 46-year old environmental education facility that features several innovative conservation systems and a tour of the Tektite Underwater Habitat Museum. The trip includes lunch. Meet at the Lameshur Bay parking lot with a notebook and water. The fee is $55.
– Jan. 12. Kayak the mangroves of Hurricane Hole, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with local scientist Barry Devine and Arawak Expeditions through V.I. Coral Reef National Monument. Stop along the way to snorkel in the mangroves and sea grass beds. The trip includes lunch. Meet at Skinny Legs Restaurant in Coral Bay to carpool. Bring snorkel gear, water, towel and sunscreen. The fee is $75.
– Jan. 12. Recycled Glass Flowers. from noon to 1:30 p.m. Maho Bay resident glassblowers Greg and Mariel teach the art of blowing recycled glass. You will get to pull the molten glass and design your own flower. Meet at Maho Bay Art Center wearing closed-toe shoes and an apron or old clothing. The fee is $75.
– Jan. 13. Hassel Island Tour runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kayak from Frenchtown, St. Thomas, to historic Hassel Island with V.I. Ecotours on a historical trip past Danish and British colonial ruins and Careening Cove. Once on land, hike past Fort Willoughby, a British fort from the Napoleonic era, and visit the Garrison House, the Creque Marine Railway and Shipley (or Cowell ) Battery. Trip includes lunch. Meet in Frenchtown with swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, dry bag and hiking shoes. The fee is $95.
– Jan. 16. Recycled Glass Stepping Stones runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn how to make a glass/concrete stepping stone that includes glass chips with Dan Kreofsky. Participants make one stepping stone, mix concrete and glass, and practice how to finish polishing them on already cured stepping stones – or on your own stone. Meet at Maho Bay Camps Art Center wearing closed-toe shoes and an apron or old clothing. The fee is $75.
– Jan. 18, Feb. 3, March 16, and April 21. Happy Painting Art I, II, III and IV, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join one or all four sessions where you will learn the technique of wet on wet oil painting from Deniece Riehl. Create your own seascape souvenir in one sitting as you learn how to paint from the techniques of Bob Ross. Meet at Maho Bay Camps Pavilion with drinking water, lunch and wearing old clothes. The fee is $85 per session.
– Jan.19. Native Plant and Forest Bird Hike runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Gary Ray will lead guests on a hiking tour of the Cinnamon Bay Trail. It runs through the low-land moist forest along the gut to the dry forest. Enjoy interpretation of native plants and birds along the trail. Meet at the Cinnamon Bay Amphitheater with water, lunch, notebook and binoculars. The fee is $55.
– Jan. 20. Pastels Workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn the technique of pastels as you create tropical landscapes at Caneel Bay Resort under the instruction of local artist Livy Hitchcock. Meet at Caneel Bay parking lot with drinking water, snack and wearing old clothes. The fee is $85.
– Jan. 23. Medicinal Herbs runs from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Delroy “Ital” Anthony will explain the natural benefits of native herbs found throughout the Caribbean. Sip on local beverages as you experience the smells and tastes of many of the plants first-hand. Meet at the St. John School of the Arts in Cruz Bay with a notebook. The fee is $45.
– Jan. 26. Build Green, from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn about green building, traditional West Indian wooden cottages, landscaping with native vegetation, solar power, net metering, water conservation, composting, organic gardening and solar oven bread making. Spend time at Doug and Leslie White’s sustainable home on St. John’s East End learning how to make your existing home more efficient or how to make your future home sustainable and environmentally sensitive. Meet at Skinny Legs Restaurant to carpool. Bring a notebook, building plans and ideas. The fee is $45.
– Jan. 27. Marine Biology Sail runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a guided sail aboard the sailing vessel Kekoa and snorkel through the underwater treasures of St. John’s reefs with National Park Service marine biologist Jeff Miller. Possible destinations are Waterlemon Cay, Congo and Lovango Cays or Honeymoon Bay. The trip includes lunch. Meet at the park Visitor Center dock with snorkel gear, water bottle, towel and sunscreen. The fee is $105.
– Jan. 30. Brown Bay History Hike runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the historic stories and earliest plantation of the first settlers of St. John in the Brown Bay valley with park archeologist Ken Wild. The trip includes lunch and taxi. Meet at the park Visitor Center with hiking shoes, notebook, sunscreen and plenty of water. The fee is $65.
– Feb. 2. Kayak, Hike and Snorkel from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kayak through turquoise waters, hike along scenic wooded trails and snorkel over colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life. Along the way you will enjoy scenic views of Hawksnest Bay, the Durloe Cays and the British Virgin Islands while hiking Mary’s Trail at Turtle Point. You may see turtles and sting rays while snorkeling at Scott Beach. The trip includes lunch and taxi. Meet at the park Visitor Center with water, towel and sun protection. The fee is $155.
– Feb. 9. Lovango Sustainable Design Tour runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local boat captain and solar design guru Dan Boyd takes you on a tour of true off-the-grid island living on Lovango Cay. Tour the Lovango Beach House and discover more about how residents of this island have learned to live off the island. Meet at Friends of the Park Store with sunscreen, hat, lunch, water and hiking shoes. The fee is $65.
– Feb. 10. Susannaberg Botany and History Hike runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local botanist Eleanor Gibney leads a botanical and historical hike along the Susannaberg Road through a variety of native vegetation and past the historic ruins. Enjoy spectacular views of the North Shore as you learn about the plants and history of the area. Meet at Friends of the Park Store with sunscreen, hat, lunch, water and hiking shoes. The fee is $55.
– Feb. 13. Petroglyph Tour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Explore the Reef Bay Trail with park archeologist Ken Wild as you learn about the meaning behind the ancient rock carvings found on the trail. Continue down the Reef Bay Trail and enjoy a boat ride back. Meet at the park Visitor Center with notebook, water and lunch. The fee is $65.
– Feb. 16, March 9 and March 23. Tropical Garden Tour I, II and III, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tour four very different island gardens with local gardening enthusiast Irene Patton. Learn how to incorporate tropical garden design, integrate native plants and how to conserve water and soil in your own garden. Tour includes professionally designed and homeowner-designed gardens. Participants receive a Friends logo visor. Meet at Friends of the Park Store with lunch, reusable water bottle and sunscreen. The fee is $55.
– Feb. 20. Birds of the Park runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour the North Shore by safari bus, stopping along the way to view native and seasonal birds in their natural habitat. Park ranger Laurel Brannick will teach you about bird calls, mating seasons and the seasonal patterns of the birds you find. Meet at the park Visitor Center with binoculars, water and a notebook. The fee is $65.
– Feb. 25. Full Moon Drum Circle from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Join master drummer Eddie Bruce for a night of ethnic drumming in celebration of the full moon. Learn about the history of the art of drumming and the ritual drumming techniques of both West African and Afro-Caribbean cultures. Meet at Annaberg Plantation with a drum if you have one. The fee is $35.
– Feb. 27. Pepper Sauce Making from 1 to 3 p.m. Learn the art of making your own hot sauce with popular pepper man Trinidad Charlie. He’ll teach you the process from pepper collection to seasoning your sauce. Meet at St. John School of the Arts with a notebook. The fee is $45.
– March 2. Coastal Ecology runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Circumnavigate St. John aboard the motor vessel Low Key with the park’s chief of resource management, Rafe Boulon, and learn about the mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs that fringe the island’s coastlines. Meet at the park Visitor Center with lunch, water, sunscreen and snorkel gear. The fee is $85.
– March 3. Tropical Light Photography runs from 8 a.m. to noon. Travel through the park with photographer Steve Simonsen as he shows you how to creatively capture the park’s beauty using features common on digital cameras. Meet at the Friends of the Park Store with camera and manual, batteries, memory cards, water and notebook. The fee is $55.
– March 3. Historical Walking Tour from 9 to 11 a.m. Explore the historical district of downtown Charlotte Amalie with local historian Felipe Ayala Jr. Tour the 99 Steps and other culturally significant areas, ending with a tour of the St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum. Meet at Blackbeard’s Castle with notebook and water. The fee is $45.
– March 6. Native Arts and Crafts from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Delroy “Ital” Anthony walks you through the collection and creation of crafts made from materials found on St. John. Learn about historical uses of the items that he continues to create in the same way they have been made for generations. Meet at the St. John School of the Arts with a notebook. The fee is $45.
– March 8. Sea Turtle Sail from 1 to 5 p.m. Sail the Castaway Girl II to Buck Island, St. Thomas, with park resource manager Thomas Kelley to swim with the many green and hawksbill turtles that make Buck Island their home year round. Meet at the Charlotte Amalie waterfront on St. Thomas with sunscreen, hat, snack, snorkel gear and swimsuit. The fee is $75.
– March 10. Scoping out Saturn from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join astro-mythologist Kelley Hunter with Rich Greengold on telescope for an inspiring blend of star stories and modern astrophysics under the tropical night sky. Stargazers will see Saturn and trace constellation shapes. Meet at Annaberg Plantation with blanket, flashlight, pillow and binoculars if you have them. The fee is $45.
– March 12. Hiking Yoga runs from 9 a.m. to noon. Hike with local yoga instructor Lori Walden on the Lind Point trail as she points out the local plants and cactus that grow along the route. Stop at the scenic viewpoint and Honeymoon Beach to enjoy the natural beauty as you find focus and strength in each pose. Meet at the park Visitor Center with sneakers, yoga mat, snack and water. The fee is $45.
– March 15. Ethnic Drumming runs 1 to 3 p.m. Join master drummer Eddie Bruce for a class on ethnic drumming. Learn about the history of the art of drumming and the ritual drumming techniques of both West African and Afro-Caribbean cultures. Meet at St. John School of the Arts with a drum if you have one. The fee is $35.
– March 19. Colonial Style Pottery from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Maho Bay Clay Works artist and owner Gail Van de Bogurt walks you through the steps of designing your own historic import porcelain bowl or plate based on objects found at colonial era plantation sites on St. John. Meet at Maho Bay Camps Art Center wearing closed-toe shoes and old clothing. The fee is $70.
– March 20. Eco Spa runs 2 to 4 p.m. Enjoy a spa session guaranteed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Bask in the cleansing mud of Salt Pond while learning about its healing mineral properties and those of other local organic spa materials from park ranger Deanna Somerville. Meet at Salt Pond parking lot with old swimsuit, towel, water and snack. The fee is $45.
– March 26. Full Moon Hike runs 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Hike to the top of Ram Head during the full moon while you explore the southernmost point of St. John with park ranger Don Near. On your hike, you will learn about the fascinating natural and cultural history that exists in this part of St. John. Meet at the Salt Pond parking lot with hiking shoes, flashlight, snack and water. The fee is $35.
– March 30. Snorkeling Adventure in the Mangroves from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Otter Creek and Water Creek in the V.I. Coral Reef National Monument’s Hurricane Hole on board the sailing vessel Kekoa with marine ecologist Caroline Rogers. No other mangrove areas in the Caribbean have so many types of corals growing in them. Participants will receive a $5 discount off the purchase of either of Rogers’ books from the Friends of the Park Store. Meet at the park Visitor Center with snorkel gear, towel, sunscreen and snack. The fee is $105.
– April 6. Paddle Board in the Mangroves of Hurricane Hole from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Paddle with local scientist Barry Devine and Arawak Expeditions through the Coral Reef National Monument with stops along the way to snorkel in the mangroves and sea grass beds. Trip includes lunch. Meet at Skinny Legs Restaurant to carpool with snorkel gear, water, towel and sunscreen. The fee is $75.
– April 7. Lionfish 101 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CORE Lionfish expert Leslie Charpentier and park resource manager Thomas Kelley show you a slideshow about the adverse effect that lionfish have had on reef populations. Head out on the motor vessel Sadie Sea to snorkel, search for lionfish and watch a live capture. All proceeds go to fund lionfish eradication in the park. Meet at Friends of the Park Store with lunch, water, sunscreen and snorkel gear. The fee is $85.
– April 10. Natural Plant Dye Batik Class from 1 to 4 p.m. Learn the technique of using wax resist and plant dye to create layered designs on recycled cloth from Maho Bay Camps textile artist Annalisa Jensen. Pick up your creations at the Friends Store when dry. Meet at Maho Bay Camps Art Center with closed-toe shoes and an apron or old clothing. The fee is $85.
– April 13. Eco Hike and Snorkel runs 9:30 a.m. to noon. Explore the best of the park above and below the water on a small private tour. Depart from the Visitor Center and hike along the Lind Point Trail as a nature guide introduces the tropical wonders along the way. Enjoy a snorkel at Honeymoon Beach. End your tour with a hike through the botanical gardens and former sugar plantation at Caneel Bay Resort. Meet at the park Visitor Center with water, towel and sunscreen. The fee is $60.
– April 14. Explore and Photograph Leinster Bay from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join avid snorkeler and naturalist Dave D’Alberto as he leads you on a hike on the Leinster Bay Trail to Murphy’s Great House. He will show you the native plants and historical highlights along the trail followed by a guided snorkel and photography tour around the mature reefs of Waterlemon Cay. Meet at Annaberg Plantation parking lot. Bring lunch, water, sunscreen and snorkel gear. The fee is $45.
– April 22. Earth Day at Concordia Eco-Resort from noon to 5 p.m. Celebrate the earth on a tour of the eco-friendly resort located on St. John’s south side. Concordia Eco-Resort manager Wayne Lloyd shows you the two types of sustainable accommodations they offer, their ingenious water saving systems and other eco-conscious elements they have included in their resort design. End your day at their Café Concordia for complimentary light appetizers. Meet at Concordia Eco-Resort Pavilion with water, sunscreen and a notebook. The fee is $35.
The number for the Friends office is 779-4940. For more information, visit www.friendsvinp.org.
