Education and Outreach Development - Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St. Croix, USVI

Abstract

The 384-acre Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, protects important nesting habitat for leatherback, hawksbill, and green sea turtles. The refuge works to create an understanding for sea turtles and their protection through education opportunities and community outreach. To help further this goal of the refuge, I worked closely with refuge and sea turtle biologist to create for them an educational worksheet on sea turtle conservation and outreach material on their different sea turtle programs for distribution around St. Croix. An outreach plan for Sandy Point NWR was designed for the refuge to use in facilitating, organizing, and tracking future programs and events. Posters were also created and will be distributed throughout the US Virgin Islands that aim to educate the public on sea turtle strandings and nesting. Ultimately, these materials will raise awareness of sea turtles in the US Virgin Islands, encourage community participation and wildlife conservation, and provide opportunities for St. Croix students.