VINE — the Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators — was established in 2004 to improve environmental and cultural education opportunities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands by creating a network of educators to share information and contacts. Since its creation, more than 25 organizations and members have joined VINE to work together to increase the quality of environmental and cultural programs available to schools and community organizations in the territory.

VINE's Goals are to:

Build capacity for environmental and cultural education within the U.S. Virgin Islands;
Link K-12 educators, natural and cultural resource organizations, and other stakeholders to promote environmental and cultural education within the U.S. Virgin Islands;
Provide teachers with Science Inquiry-based and Experiential Learning Workshops; and
Disseminate member, program and outreach information to teachers, administrators and community groups.

VINE is actively developing new programs and materials for teachers to use on a number of issues, including the impacts of water pollution, the role of mangroves in the marine environment, the life cycle of the leatherback sea turtle, energy conservation, the Virgin Islands' cultural history, and preventing soil erosion, to name a few. One important VINE program is the Leave Paradise in its Place Campaign, funded through a NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program grant. The campaign promotes protection of sea life amongst residents and visitors through print materials (a beautiful full-color poster, postcards & stickers); radio, television, magazine & map advertising; and web advertising on various USVI portals & sites such as GoToStCroix.com, GoToStThomas.com, GoToStJohn.com, Experience St. Croix, and StCroixTourism.com.

VINE members strive to coordinate their individual environmental education programs to provide comprehensive environmental education resources, and we are working to fill the gaps in areas that are not currently covered. Our mission is to provide materials and programs to allow Virgin Islands' teachers to provide our students with a comprehensive Environmental Education experience. Our vision is to provide Virgin Island's youth with the best environmental education opportunities available. Please pass along any suggestions, comments or programs you would like to see developed to one of our VINE members. Want to be a member of VINE? Join our VINE Google Group and get emails about grant opportunities, training workshops, available resources, and find out when & where our next meeting is.

Recall: Join Us! VIWMA Territory-wide Town Hall Meetings - January 14th & 15th, 2026 - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Charmin Springer