-ABOUT US-

The Mangrove Restoration Project is a citizen science-rooted effort to 1) Aid in the restoration of mangrove forests, 2) Improve growth and survival rates of transplanted mangroves, and 3) Collect and utilize scientific data to aid in the protection of this important natural resource. Started back in 2015, this project has grown immensely and is supported by research faculty and staff within the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies as well as the Virgin Islands Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research. 
See how you can get involved to support our restoration efforts!

- DEMONSTRATION SITE- 

Our Team, with the support of numerous volunteers have planted red mangroves on Range Cay, St. Thomas since 2016. However after the 2017 Hurricanes Irma and Maria, all planted mangroves at this site were lost and replanted in late 2017. To date, there are over 200 red mangroves planted in this location using a clumped method which has shown to increase the survival rates of our mangroves. Each mangrove is given a numbered tag that allows our team to better track health metrics such as height (cm), number of prop roots, and the presence/absence of flowers. This demonstration site is also surrounded by a bed of seagrass (Thalassia testudinum) which also aids in providing shelter for the various marine life that inhabit this space. 
 
(Click the above button to see our timeline of photos for this project)

  
Red mangroves in the nursery in 2019; here, the clumping method can be seen where several mangrove plants were planted per hole. 

-VIRTUAL TOUR- 

For the above 360-degree photo, click anywhere on the photo and drag your cursor to rotate the image in full 360-degree space. You can also double click anywhere on the photo to zoom in to get a closer look. 

To view the entire 360-degree tour, click the "EXPLORE" button below.

-GET INVOLVED-

The Mangrove Restoration Project benefits greatly from the support of volunteers. Persons interested in volunteering can expect to assist with any of the following tasks.

• Replanting mangroves,
• Assessing (collecting and recording) health data on the mangroves,
• Retagging mangroves,
• Documenting nursery health via photos and videos,
• Collecting and rearing new seeds,
• Nursery upkeep and maintenance 

(Click the above button to register to volunteer and support this project)

-EDUCATOR RESOURCES- (Coming Soon)

- Contact Us-   

Office Phone: St. Thomas (340) 693-1672 
E-mail: St. Thomas (howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu) 
Website: http://vimas.uvi.edu
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Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies
University of the Virgin Islands

St. Thomas                                                
#2 John Brewers Bay                                 
St. Thomas, USVI 00802