Critical Moment for Public Lands: Reflections from Our USVI Service Week

Each year, Soul Trak embarks on a transformative journey to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a week of service, stewardship, and exploration. This year, we brought seven dedicated participants to the island of St. John, immersing ourselves in meaningful conservation work while embracing the breathtaking natural beauty of this unique national park.

With recent staffing shortages and funding cuts hitting public agencies like the National Park Service harder than ever, the need for hands-on support has never been greater. The U.S. Virgin Islands National Park covers nearly 60% of St. John, preserving its lush forests, historic ruins, and pristine beaches. However, like so many public lands across the country, this park is struggling to maintain its spaces as job cuts impact its ability to operate at full capacity. At Soul Trak, we believe that access to public lands comes with responsibility, and this year’s USVI service trip reinforced just how vital community-driven conservation efforts are in moments like this.

Our annual USVI service trip is more than just an opportunity to travel—it’s a call to action. Whether through trail restoration, beach cleanups, or education, we empower our participants to become active stewards of the outdoor spaces they love.

One participant captured the experience perfectly:

“My visit to the US Virgin Islands and St. John was an unforgettable experience, blending adventure, conservation, and cultural discovery. I had the incredible opportunity to work with the Friends of the Park at Cinnamon Bay, contributing to the restoration of historic ruins at the Annaberg Plantation, clearing invasive species at Maho Beach and the Maria Hope Trail, and helping protect endangered plants at Nanny Point. Every task was a meaningful way to engage with the island’s natural beauty and rich history.”

Beyond service, our time on the island was also about connection—both with nature and with each other. After long days of conservation work, we explored the island’s beaches and scuba dived.

Another participant reflected on the balance between service and exploration:

“USVI trip was uniquely memorable. A great service-to-fun balance. Well organized and great vibes.”

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway was the impact this trip had on our perspective. One participant spoke about how seeing the dedication of local conservationists and experiencing the island’s beauty firsthand deepened their appreciation for environmental stewardship:

“The work we did directly supported the National Park’s efforts to preserve these pristine ecosystems, and it was inspiring to see the tangible impact we made on both the land and the community. Along the way, I learned so much about the island’s diverse plants, animals, and unique environment. The people of St. John were welcoming and passionate about preserving their home, and it was a privilege to be part of their conservation efforts.

As we left St. John, we carried with us not just memories of stunning beaches and challenging hikes but a stronger commitment to conservation.

Interested in being part of or supporting our next service adventure? Stay connected with Soul Trak for more opportunities to explore, give back, and become a steward of our public lands!