Thanks to a very successful St. Croix Reef Jam 2010 event at Rhythm’s at Rainbow Beach, the Reef Jam Committee has been able to award funds to two St. Croix organizations through its 2010 Mini-Grant Program. The St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA) has been awarded funding to improve and continue offering free snorkel clinics to the St. Croix community. Monthly snorkel clinics teach people how to enjoy marine wildlife without damaging the reef. Activities and discussions during the two-hour clinics promote environmental stewardship and appreciation. Check www.stxenvironmental.org to find out the snorkel clinic dates.
Funds will also be going to the Beyond Visions Foundation to support a brand new aspect of their Nature Explorers’ Club called the Marine Environment and Education Program (MEEP). MEEP students will learn about areas of particular concern around St. Croix through a series of presentations from local experts and snorkel trips. The program will increase awareness of youth and families in underserved communities about the importance of safeguarding V.I. marine ecosystems.
All these projects support Reef Jam’s mission: “To improve St. Croix coral reef conservation efforts through community education, stewardship and conservation programs which promote positive behavior changes toward our marine environment.” The next Reef Jam event will be held on Sunday, May 29. Reef Jam is a project of the V.I. Resource Conservation and Development Council. To know more or to volunteer, go to www.reefjam.com.