Jan. 8, 2002 – The Friends of the V.I. National Park kicks off its annual seminar series this weekend. A total of 17 programs will be offered through April. "It's a great opportunity to get out in the park and have new experiences," Friends program manager Becky Bremser said.
Space in each seminar is limited, so it's suggested that those intending to take part make reservations early. To do so, call 779-4940.
Here's the schedule, including times and fees.
Saturday, Jan. 12 — "Celebrating East End St. John." Join local economist Bernie Kemp and historian, author and East-End resident Guy Benjamin as they share holiday stories about the East End. Meet at the Agriculture Department facility in Coral Bay. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $25.
Saturday, Jan. 19 — Ram's Head Botany Hike. Explore the arid shrub lands and coastal plant communities of St. John's south shore on a hike with naturalist Eleanor Gibney. Meet at the park Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. or at the Salt Pond Bay parking lot at 9:10 a.m. Bring lunch, drinking water, sunscreen and a hat. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $35.
Wednesday, Jan. 23 — "Discover a Prehistoric Temple at Cinnamon Bay." Park archaeologist Ken Wild will describe some of the more interesting discoveries at the Cinnamon Bay archeological dig, including the unearthing of a prehistoric place of worship. Meet at the Cinnamon Bay archeology lab, located at the beach. 9 a.m.-noon. $25.
Saturday, Feb. 2 — Bird-Watching Tour. Park ranger and V.I. Audubon Society president Laurel Brannick will lead a trek to Trunk, Cinnamon and Francis Bays to explore the world of birding. Meet at the Cruz Bay taxi stand. Bring binoculars if you have them, insect repellent and drinking water. 7:30-11 a.m. $30 including transportation.
Saturday, Feb. 9 — "When Sugar Was King: Annaberg at the Turn of the 19th Century." Join historian David Knight on a walk through the Annaberg sugar factory complex. Meet at the Annaberg parking lot. 9-11 a.m. $25.
Sunday, Feb. 17 — Marine Biology Sailing Trip. Spend the day sailing on the high-performance catamaran Adventurer with marine ecologist Caroline Rogers. There will be stops at two or three snorkeling spots to explore the marine ecosystem. Meet at the park Visitor Center boat dock. Bring snorkel gear, sunscreen, lunch and drinking water. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $60.
Saturday, Feb. 23 — "Coastal Ecology." Spend the day learning about the coastline of St. John aboard the Sadie Sea. Park resource management chief Rafe Boulon will be the guide for this tour that includes snorkeling, wading and floating at mangrove lagoons, coral reefs, sea grass beds and beaches. Meet at the park Visitor Center boat dock. Bring lunch, drinking water, wading shoes and snorkel gear. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $60.
Saturday, March 2 — "Traditional West Indian Cooking." Learn the art of preparing West Indian food at Annaberg Plantation with park ranger Denise Georges. Meet at the Annaberg Plantation cookhouse. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $25.
Sunday, March 10 — "The Stars and Their Stories." Astro-mythologist Kelly Hunter will guide participants through the constellations and and share various myths of the night sky. Meet in the parking lot of Peace Hill, located on the North Shore. Bring flashlight, binoculars and a blanket. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $20.
Saturday, March 16 — "Genuine Coconut Oil." Instructor Deanna Somerville will show where it comes from and how to make it. Meet at the Maho Bay Beach Pavilion, located on the North Shore Road. Bring a hammer and grater. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $25.
Saturday, March 23 — "Changes in the Landscape: The Past 100 years on St. John." Anthropologist Crystal Fortwangler will describe the island's ever-changing landscape, as well as its diverse human population over the past 100 years. Learn about the significant shifts in land use, including the creation of the V.I. National Park, the decline of farming and the rise of the real estate industry. Meet at the Cinnamon Bay Campground amphitheater. 10 a.m.-noon. $25.
Wednesday, March 27 — "Archeology at the Annaberg Slave Village." Join park researcher and archeologist Laurie Lee to learn about the latest archeological information about this site. Meet at the Annaberg Plantation parking lot. 9 a.m.-noon. $25.
Saturday, April 6 — "Adjusting to Technological Change: Charcoal." Bernie Kemp and Guy Benjamin will lead participants through a history of change on St. John's East End that focuses on the use of charcoal as cooking fuel. Meet at the Agricultural Department facility in Coral Bay. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $25.
Monday, April 8 — Taino Pottery Pit Firing Workshop, Part 1 of a two-day seminar. St. John artists Gail Van de Bogurt and Kat Sowa team up with archaeologist Ken Wild as guides to creating Taino-style ceramics and investigating the pit firing process. Meet at the Cinnamon Bay archaeology lab, located at the beach. Bring clothes you don't mind getting dirty, a snack and drinking water. 9 a.m.-noon. $60 for the two days.
Friday, April 12 — Taino Pottery Pit Firing Workshop, Part 2. 1-4 p.m. See preceding item. You must register for both days.
Saturday, April 13 — "St. John Architecture Then and Now." Architect Glen Speer leads a tour of St. John architecture. Participatns will visit several locations and explore the historical layers of the island's built environment. Meet at the Sun Dog Café in Mongoose Junction. 9 a.m.-noon. $30 including transportation.
Saturday, April 20 — "Marine Life Enthusiasts' Snorkel Trip." Marine naturalist Kathy Packo will guide this undersea adventure to three snorkeling spots accessible only by boat. Meet at the Caneel Bay Resort dock. Bring snorkel gear, wet suit, underwater camera, snack and drinking water. 9 a.m.-noon. $55.
Sunday, April 28 — "Snorkel Identification Adventure." Learn to identify species of fish and invertebrates while snorkeling from a boat with marine naturalist Lucy Portlock. Meet at the Caneel Bay Resort dock. Bring snorkel gear, light wet suit, underwater camera, snack and drinking water. 9 a.m.-noon. $55.
