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OPERATION RESTORATION

Long Bay, Beef Island

GET EXCITED! GET INVOLVED!

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RESTORATION TARGETS

• Replant at least 200 seagrape trees to restore the beach vegetation line
• Replant at least 300 native trees to restore the beach dune
• Remove invasive species such as neem trees, wild tamarind and cow heel bush from the beach dune

 

BENEFITS

• Protect beach from erosion
• Provide shade
• Protect turtle nesting habitat
• Promote bird habitat

 

ACHIEVEMENTS

Operation Restoration started in March 2024. In the first month, close to 140 native trees were replanted and neem trees removed from a large area of the beach dune. Operation Restoration continued with the launch of the Seagrape Tree Replanting Initiative on Saturday June 8, 2024.

 

TO SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF PLANTED TREES CLICK HERE

 

Seagrape Tree Replanting Initiative Launch on Saturday June 8, 2024

At least 100 seagrape trees sponsored by Unite BVI will be replanted under the Seagrape Tree Replanting Initiative of Operation Restoration with the first twenty (20) planted at the Launch event on Saturday June 8, 2024, 8:30 a.m. to noon.

During the launch Willard Wheatley and Francis Lettsome Primary School Students planted the first 20 seagrape trees, led by Dr. Hon. Natalio Wheatley - Premier, Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change and Seventh District Representative and Hon. Marlon Penn – Eighth District Representative.

 

The Launch also featured a Seagrape Tree Naming Ceremony to start the process to name the seagrape trees after deceased members of the Seventh and Eighth Districts who have made significant contributions to the community fabric or community development.

SEE NAMES OF SEAGRAPE TREES ANNOUNCED IN 2024

 

TO SEE PHOTO GALLERY OF SEAGRAPE TREE LAUNCH CLICK HERE

 

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

1. Nominate a name for a seagrape tree!

Deadline Friday March 21, 2025.

                                                           

The first 100 seagrape trees planted under Operation Restoration will be named after deceased Virgin Islanders from the 7^th and 8^th Districts who have made significant contributions to the community fabric or community development, especially in the areas of environmental protection/stewardship, history and culture, education, farming, fishing, boat building or other historic aspects of socio-economic development. Naming the trees seeks to build a sense of community connection to and stewardship for the trees and to preserve the legacy of these significant community builders.

The first 20 trees planted were named during the Seagrape Tree Replanting Initiative Launch on 8^th June and 38 additional names announced for trees to be planted in 2024. The names of seagrape trees announced to date can be accessed here.

All members of the public are invited to nominate persons for naming of the remaining 42 seagrape trees meeting the criteria above during Environment Month 2024.

Nomination Form

 

2. Sponsor a Tree!

Seagrape Trees

Unite BVI has sponsored the first 100 seagrape trees that will be replanted at Long Bay. Sponsor a seagrape tree(s) to help us get to our target of at least 200 seagrape trees to achieve full restoration!

Persons who sponsor a tree can nominate a name for it in keeping with the criteria above.   

Sponsorship options:

• 7-gallon tree - $50 per tree
• 15-gallon tree - $225 per tree

Seagrape Tree Sponsorship Form

Other Native Trees

Government and Unite BVI have joined forces to sponsor the first 250 native trees to restore the beach dune. Help us get to our target of at least 300 native trees to achieve full restoration!

Sponsorship: Minimum of $300 per tree

                      $25 or greater contributions can also be made towards trees

Native Tree Sponsorship Form

3. Volunteer for Tree Planting or Invasive Species Removal

The Ministry welcomes all to participate in replanting seagrape trees and removing invasive trees, including neem trees, from the beach.

Interested persons, secondary school groups or organizations should signup using the relevant form below. The Ministry will then contact you to advise of available volunteer dates.

Individual Volunteer Sign-up Form

Secondary School Volunteer Sign-up Form (to be completed by teachers or principals)

Organization Sign-up Form

 

Note to Volunteers

To ensure your comfort and safety please:

• Bring your own water or reusable water bottle for refilling (plastic water bottles will not be provided)
• Dress appropriately to protect yourself from the sun. A hat is recommended for all. Long sleeves, long pants and sneakers are recommended for volunteers doing neem tree removal.
• Bring a pair of gloves!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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