List of National Natural Landmarks in Virgin Islands facts for kids

The Virgin Islands are home to some amazing natural places! These special spots are called National Natural Landmarks. They are chosen because they have unique natural features, like special plants, animals, rocks, or landforms. There are 7 National Natural Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These landmarks help protect important parts of nature for everyone to enjoy and learn from.

Discovering Virgin Islands' Natural Landmarks

Coki Point Cliffs

Coki Point Cliffs are found on St. Thomas Island. This place is very special because it's one of the few spots where you can find fossils. Fossils are the remains or traces of ancient plants and animals that have turned into rock over millions of years. Finding them here helps scientists learn about the Earth's past.

Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge

Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area near St. Croix. It's a very important home for many shorebirds. Birds like the American oyster catcher and the brown pelican come here to build their nests and raise their young. Protecting this refuge helps these birds survive and thrive.

Lagoon Point

On Saint John Island, you'll find Lagoon Point. This area is a fantastic example of a fringing reef. A fringing reef is a type of coral reef that grows close to the coastline. These reefs are like underwater cities, full of colorful fish and other sea creatures. They are very important for the ocean's health.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is located on St. Croix. This refuge is super important for an amazing animal: the leatherback sea turtle. These giant turtles are endangered, meaning they are at risk of disappearing forever. Sandy Point is a regular nesting ground where female leatherbacks come ashore to lay their eggs. Protecting this beach helps these incredible creatures continue their life cycle.

Salt River Bay

Salt River Bay is another special place on St. Croix. This bay is home to some of the best mangrove forests left in the Virgin Islands. Mangroves are special trees that grow in salty coastal waters. Their tangled roots provide safe nurseries for young fish and crabs. They also help protect the coastline from storms and erosion.

Vagthus Point

Similar to Coki Point Cliffs, Vagthus Point on St. Croix is famous for its fossils. It's known as the best place in the Virgin Islands to find fossils from the Upper Cretaceous period. The Cretaceous period was a time long, long ago, from about 145 to 66 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Studying these fossils helps us understand ancient life.

West End Cays

The West End Cays are a group of small islands near St. Thomas. These cays are vital nesting sites for several bird species. Birds like the blue-faced booby, the Bahama duck, and the brown pelican come here to build their nests. Protecting these islands ensures these birds have safe places to raise their chicks.

Images for kids

• 

  A leatherback sea turtle, like those found at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.

• 

  Mangrove trees at Salt River Bay, a vital ecosystem.