The St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) invites young explorers and their families to a unique adventure at the historic Barren Spot Bat Tower on Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. This special “visit for the kids” offers a rare, up-close look at one of the island’s most vital, yet misunderstood, wildlife inhabitants.
Maranda Wood, SEA board member and STEAM educator, explains that “the Barren Spot Bat Tower was originally built as a Danish-era well tower in the 1760s. Since nature has reclaimed the structure, it has morphed into a critical roost for hundreds of Caribbean Cave Bats. As the only native land mammals in the Virgin Islands, these bats play a pivotal role in pollinating fruit trees, controlling pests, like mosquitoes, dispersing seeds, and supporting the health of St. Croix’s forests. Protecting this site is essential for St. Croix’s ecological heritage.”
“SEA has designed this family-focused experience to foster early, positive connections with wildlife, in hopes of instilling lifelong conservation values,” said Alissa Burmeister, SEA’s executive director. The event aims to replace common fears with curiosity, experience, and knowledge by providing an inspiring encounter. By offering the opportunity for families to learn together, it can dispel pervasive myths, such as bats being aggressive or dangerous. The bats at Barren Spot are native supporters of our ecosystem. They eat fruit and insects and have no interest in humans; they also possess remarkable navigation skills using echolocation.
During the visit, participants will witness the magical dusk emergence, observing hundreds of bats waking and preparing for their nightly foraging. This sensory experience directly connects children to real-world ecological processes in a way that books cannot match. The quiet, respectful observation underscores how bats contribute to a healthy environment.
“The Bat Tower conservation work is a direct reflection of SEA’s broader mission to intertwine conservation, advocacy, and education for the community of St. Croix. Actively protected and monitored by SEA since 1999, the Tower is one example of how the built environment, human history, and natural ecosystems intersect,” said Burmeister.
Following the event, families can continue to support bat conservation by planting native fruit-bearing vegetation, reducing pesticide use, and sharing their newfound knowledge. Supporting organizations like SEA through membership or advocacy helps ensure vital habitats are preserved for future generations.
The visit is free for SEA members and their children, and $10 for non-members. Advance registration is required and can be done here. Attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and light-colored clothing, and are encouraged to bring water and insect repellent. Flash photography is prohibited, and phones must be on silent to not disturb the bats. Parking and final check-in details will be provided after registration.
