Native Plant Recovery Project
About This Project
Healthy coastal ecosystems are one of the island’s best defenses against storms and erosion. This restoration project is helping restore native coastal ecosystems at carefully selected sites across St. Croix. Many of these areas were heavily impacted by hurricanes and other disturbances and have struggled to recover naturally. By planting native coastal vegetation and restoring mangroves, we are helping these ecosystems regenerate and become more resilient over time.
Our work follows a ridge-to-reef approach, recognizing that what happens on land directly affects the health of our coastlines and coral reefs. Restoring coastal habitats is one part of a larger effort to improve ecosystem health, strengthen the island's natural resilience, and support the communities that depend on these environments.
Why is Restoration Important?
Mangrove restoration is the process of replanting and strengthening native mangrove forests to rebuild healthy coastal habitat. Mangroves play a critical role in supporting wildlife, serving as nursery grounds for fish, improving water quality, and protecting shorelines from erosion and storm damage. We’re restoring mangroves to help create a more resilient coastline, support local fisheries, and ensure the long-term health of the lagoon for both the ecosystem and the community.
Why Native Coastal Plants?
Native coastal trees and shrubs like sea grape, buttonwood, and pink poui are an important part of the Virgin Islands landscape, but many areas have struggled to naturally recover after repeated storm impacts. We’re working to reestablish these species where they’ve declined to help rebuild healthy coastal forests, restore shade and habitat, and reinforce the natural systems that protect our shorelines. Supporting the return of native vegetation helps the coast recover more fully and prepares it to better withstand future storms.
Vincent Mason Pool
Vincent Mason Pools is a well-loved community recreation area where coastal restoration can help balance public access with the needs of the surrounding ecosystem. The site faces challenges from heavy use, coastal exposure, and impacts to sea turtle nesting habitat, including artificial lighting that can affect nesting and hatchling behavior. Planting plans are being developed to fill gaps in existing vegetation, create natural screening, and improve habitat conditions while maintaining beach access and recreational spaces. By carefully incorporating native coastal plants into the landscape, this project will enhance the ecological function of the site while supporting the community activities that make Vincent Mason Pools special.
Hessleberg
Hesselberg Beach has experienced significant coastal changes due to hurricanes, storm surge, drought, and ongoing erosion pressures. Following Hurricane Maria, sections of the shoreline experienced vegetation loss, storm debris impacts, and increased exposure to coastal hazards, with areas that once supported native coastal vegetation becoming fragmented and colonized by invasive tan tan and grasses. Restoration at Hesselberg focuses on reestablishing native coastal trees and shrubs adapted to sandy, saline, and drought-prone conditions. By reconnecting fragmented vegetation and rebuilding a healthy coastal forest, this project will help restore the natural character of the site while creating a stronger foundation for long-term coastal recovery.
Altona Lagoon
At more than 200 acres, Altona Lagoon is one of the largest remaining wetlands in the U.S. Virgin Islands and an important link between coastal habitats, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. The lagoon supports a variety of wildlife and provides a valuable community space for fishing, boating, picnicking, and recreation. Hurricanes have caused significant damage to the system, but natural recovery of red mangroves around portions of the lagoon shows the potential for regeneration. Restoration efforts at Altona Lagoon will build on this natural recovery by planting native coastal species and supporting mangrove restoration in areas where vegetation has been lost or degraded.
Coakley Pond
Coakley Pond is a coastal wetland characterized by mangrove forests and mudflats that provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife. Unlike some restoration sites where mangroves have naturally begun to recover, Coakley Pond has experienced notable red mangrove mortality following major storm impacts, with limited signs of regeneration. Restoration efforts will focus on reestablishing mangrove forests in areas where vegetation has declined, helping restore habitat complexity and support the long-term recovery of this valuable wetland ecosystem.
Want to get involved?
Join us in the mud!
Mangrove outplanting isn’t your typical beach day - it’s muddy, hands-in-the-earth, boots-stuck-in-the-sediment kind of work. But that mud tells a bigger story. By planting mangroves, you’re helping restore natural storm protection, improve water quality, create nursery habitat for fish and wildlife, and strengthen our coastal ecosystems for generations to come. Every seedling placed in the ground is an investment in a healthier shoreline and a more resilient community. Come ready to get a little dirty and leave knowing you made a lasting difference.
Partners & Collaborators
