The upcoming Mandahl Bay cleanup on November 8 and 9, spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, is the first step in a renewed commitment to safeguarding one of St. Thomas’ most valuable natural habitats. While aesthetically beautiful, Mandahl Bay facilitates critical ecological functions and hosts a rich biodiversity profile.
Ecologically, Mandahl Bay is home to a thriving mangrove habitat and vital fish nursery, TPPA Director Kitty Edwards explained. “The pond and surrounding waters are teeming with life, creating a complex and essential ecosystem. This area is a known haven for baitfish, which form the foundation of the local food web and are crucial for fishers. This habitat also provides a safe haven for juvenile fish, including species like sharks and rays. In addition, this location is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where you can sit on the beach and watch pelicans dive for fish, among many of the coastal species.”
The catalyst for this specific, targeted cleanup is the TPPA’s growing mission to actively manage the lands entrusted to them. “We knew Mandahl, being such a special place for the people of St. Thomas, would be one of the first areas we could start exploring what active protection looks like. Unfortunately, there’s significant debris and dumping, which gave us an opportunity to come in with tools and resources larger than a typical volunteer community clean up can manage,” said Edwards.
During the cleanup, the focus will extend beyond the usual litter. Based on site visits, the team will target medium- to large-sized debris, such as rusted grills, discarded tires, furniture, and parts of boats. Alongside these items, TPPA staff will also collect persistent smaller plastics. The ultimate goal, however, extends far beyond these two days.
“The clean up is how we are hoping to get to a clean slate. From there, we want to continue our management of the property by making things better for the community who loves and uses it. With input from the community we will plan continued improvements. Some ideas we are already considering is improving the road coming in, removing invasive plants and replacing them with native coastal vegetation, installing heavy garbage receptacles, installing raised fire pits, and providing benches so families can maximize their enjoyment of the space,” Edwards said.
In addition to these plans, the TPPA team is exploring the possibility of creating walking trails and a bird-watching post so the community can truly enjoy the diverse Mandahl ecosystem.
This initiative is a living example of TPPA’s broader motto, “VI Parks for VI People.” The lessons learned at Mandahl, both about the land and how to effectively communicate with the community, will serve as a model for future projects across the Virgin Islands’ park system.
The TPPA emphasizes the importance of community partnership through open communication and shared stewardship, reminding residents that these spaces belong to everyone to enjoy and protect. Community members are encouraged to visit Mandahl Bay during the cleanup initiative to meet TPPA team members, share ideas, and discuss how the area can be improved to serve both the community and the environment.
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