Trees Planted at The Baths, Spring Bay
The National Parks Trust observed Arbour Day on Nov. 21 with native tree plantings at The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park to restore vegetation and strengthen coastal ecosystems. The Trust also held its annual Arbour Day Plant Sale at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17–28, offering a range of native and fruit trees.
On Nov. 21 the National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands marked Arbour Day 2025 with native tree plantings at two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites: The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park. The activity is part of an ongoing programme to restore natural vegetation and bolster coastal ecosystems across the BVI.
In a post on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of both sites. Officials described the initiative as aligned with broader conservation priorities across the national park system and a practical step toward improving habitat and landscape resilience. "Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us," the Trust said. "These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come." The Trust has emphasised that restoring native plant communities helps protect shorelines, supports local wildlife and maintains the scenic values visitors expect when they come to The Baths and Spring Bay.
Alongside the plantings, the Trust ran its annual Arbour Day Plant Sale at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. Residents could purchase a variety of fruit trees and native species, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit and starfruit, as well as the fragrant Ylang Ylang tree, valued for its perfumed blossoms.
The Trust encouraged residents to participate by planting trees in their neighbourhoods or visiting the Botanic Gardens to buy native species. Public involvement, the statement noted, is vital to advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory and ensuring that reforestation efforts extend beyond protected areas into private and community spaces.
Native vegetation plays a key role in biodiversity, erosion control and coastal protection—issues of direct relevance to BVI communities, especially as the Territory continues to recover and adapt following severe weather events in recent years. By prioritising native species and removing invasives, the Trust aims to strengthen natural defences while preserving the islands’ unique flora for residents and visitors alike.
Residents seeking more information or wishing to support future plantings are advised to follow the National Parks Trust’s official channels for announcements and volunteer opportunities.
Primary source: JTV