Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

🎨 Calling All Youth Artists of St. Croix! 🌿

Christiansted National Historic Site is excited to invite young artists ages 8-21 to help create a brand-new community mural at the Coastal Studies Outpost in Salt River Bay National Historical Park & Ecological Preserve!

This mural will become a vibrant part of restoration days, out planting events, school visits, and community programs—celebrating the natural and cultural treasures of Salt River Bay.

Participants are encouraged to submit original artwork inspired by:
• Watershed connectivity
• Local ecosystems
• Ridge to reef processes unique to St. Croix
• Native wildlife
Selected finalists will receive mentorship from a local artist, and their designs will be woven into the final mural installation. Each finalist will also receive a recognition award for their contribution.

📅 Submission Deadline: July 3, 2026
📥 Artists must submit:
• Original digital or hand drawn artwork
• An artist statement
• Basic contact information
Submissions that do not meet the guidelines cannot be considered.

👉 For full contest details, eligibility, and submission instructions, visit the link below or scan the QR code:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/WBvmStq3S4Release
Let’s create something beautiful together for our island and our community! 🌊🌱✨

The new Salt River Visitor Center is opening soon! As a park guide at Christiansted National Historic Site, you'll have the opportunity to be the first to greet guests when it opens!

This internship offers the opportunity to work in all three St. Croix Parks!

📣 Apply Now! The paid Fish and Feathers Internship Program through our partner Environment for the Americas is accepting applications until February 1, 2026!

🌟 As a Fish and Feathers intern, you’ll help connect local communities with nature through fishing, birding, and other outdoor recreational activities. This year, Christiansted National Historic Site will host one 12-week intern!

Internship Details:

Dates: May 11 – July 31, 2026
Pre-Internship Training Workshop: May 11–17, 2026 (required)
Eligibility: Ages 18–30 (or up to 35 for veterans)
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026

👉 Learn more and apply here: https://environmentamericas.org/efta-internships-landing.../

During the federal government shutdown, this account will continue to share critical information about park access, safety, and resources. Some services may be limited. For more details, visit:

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations | U.S. Department of the Interior Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

UPDATE: All National Parks of St. Croix have reopened.

Park Closed Ahead of Inclement Weather

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, and all associated facilities are closed due to anticipated severe weather that may bring flooding and landslides.
This decision is in line with the local government’s decision to shut down due to the impending storm and possible flooding and landslides. The safety of our staff is the highest priority.
Please follow instructions from local emergency officials.

Status Update: Park Open
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, and all associated sites have been been assessed following yesterday’s storms and the area is safe and open to the public.

Use caution when exploring the park.

Salt River Bay National Historical Park is Closed until further notice.

Due to active flooding and the threat of mud slides, all areas of Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve are closed.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO VISIT THESE SITES

Territorial Emergency Management has told motorists to stay off roads unless fleeing flooded areas or under evacuation orders.

National Park crews have completed their assessment of Salt River Bay NHP&EP.
The park will reopen to the public at 11:00am today.

UPDATE: Park Service crews have departed to assess the Salt River Bay sites to ensure they are safe for use. This process may take several hours. Please check back for further updates.

Salt River Bay NHP&EP will close at 5:00 p.m. today due to Hurricane Erin.

National Park Service officials will close all National Park Units on the island of St. Croix. These include Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted National Historic Site, and Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The closure is to all public use due to the approach of Hurricane Erin. It will take effect at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025. The parks and associated facilities will close, and concession operations will cease until further notice.

Visitors currently in these parks are being instructed to leave by 5:00 p.m. and are urged to find a safe location to ride out the storm. Tourists are urged to contact lodging or airline professionals to seek guidance.

When announcing this closure, Superintendent Angelita Alvino said, "with Hurricane Erin threatening the northern Caribbean, and coming uncomfortable close to the island of St Croix, we must begin safeguarding human life and park assets now. The safety of our guests, staff and neighbors is my top priority and closing the parks is the first step to ensuring that as we implement our storm plans.”

The National Parks of St Croix will remain closed until the storm passes and staff have an opportunity to assess impacts, mitigate hazards resulting from the storm, and safely support the return of staff and guests.