The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) will celebrate and observe Virgin Islands Arbor Day on Friday, the agency announced.
There is an exciting array of events in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry’s State, Private and Tribal Forestry unit to be held from Monday through Sunday, according to the press release.
According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. They clean our air, filter our water, and even slow storm surge and flooding. Neighborhood trees have shown the ability to reduce stress, improve overall health and development in children, and encourage physical activity. VIDA would like to increase civic pride among our residents through events that highlight our trees. This year, our observance will include book readings and presentations, an agricultural career and organization fair, guided trail tours, and a tree seedling giveaway, the press release stated.
VIDA would like to invite the Virgin Islands community to our Arbor Day community events.
Firstly, the low-difficulty guided trail tours are open to all ages, providing a safe and enjoyable environment in which to appreciate the beautiful ecosystem and learn more about the greenery surrounding the island. The tours will be held at:
- Adventure Trail, St. Croix – Saturday at 9:00 a.m., led by Virgin Islands Trail Alliance and St. Croix Hiking Association.
- Cinnamon Bay Trail, St. John – Saturday at 9:00 a.m., led by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park
A tree slip giveaway will be held on St. Thomas on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. during the bi-weekly Bordeaux Farmer’s Market. Everyone is welcome to receive slips on a first-come, first-served basis.
