VITAL News
Find updates on VITAL’s ongoing work, new partnerships, and community projects across the Virgin Islands. It’s where you can find the latest information on our progress and upcoming initiatives.
USDA Forestry Grant Awarded
The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance (VITAL) is pleased to announce that they have been awarded a four-year grant through the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant under the Inflation Reduction Act. This is a reimbursement type grant totaling $2.5 M and will fund VITAL’S project “Healing Forests to Heal the Underserved for Life” to provide underserved communities with access to revitalized urban forests in St. Croix USVI
Sep 19, 2023
AARP Awards Grant to One Virgin Islands Organization as Part of its Nationwide Program to Make Communities More Livable
Jun 30, 2023
Aaron Hutchins appointed to Virgin Islands Territorial Park Board of Trustees
Aaron Hutchins was Approved by the Legislature to the Virgin Islands Territorial Park Board of Trustees.
Apr 15, 2023
Spring Gut Discovery Trail
Spring Gut Discovery Trail Cut on the 13 Acre property & Site Visit by VITEMA, DPW and Horsley Whitten Design Team Member and VITAL Board Members.
Mar 5, 2023
The VI Trail Alliance refurbishes benches along the Christiansted Bypass and the Story Telling Circle at the Canegata Ball Park.
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Feb 15, 2023
Barbara Walsh - Andrus Award for her Community Service
December 2023 Barbara Walsh was presented the Andrus Award for her Community Service at the AARP Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner: http://rce.
Dec 15, 2022
The VI Trail Alliance and the St Croix Hiking Association join forces to groom, maintain, manage and open new trails
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Oct 15, 2022
Bike Safety & Design Workshop
Designing for Bicyclist Safety is a course for teaching why bicycle travel accommodations should be included in the transportation network, create an understanding of key safety principles for bicyclist, and teach about design treatments, safety countermeasures, and the latest national guidance and best practices.
Sep 26, 2022
VITAL Purchases 13 Acres for a Public Park
WHO: The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance (VITAL) and the Bank of St.
Jun 19, 2022
Complete Streets Act for the VI Signed by the Governor
Complete Streets Act Bill-0087 passed into Law This is a historical moment for pedestrian infrastructure for the territory!
Apr 18, 2022
Apr 5, 2022
VITAL gets assistance from the Office of Samuel Sane, St. Croix Administrator
Over the last 6 months the VI Trail Alliance has worked to build approx.
Mar 7, 2022
WINDSOR FARM TRAILS NOW OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE
The newly opened Windsor Farm and Salt River Spur Trails were created in collaboration with the VI Dept.
Mar 4, 2022
Windsor Farm Trail Tour
Olassie Davis and Benito Vegas led hikers through Windsor Farm Trails and the Historical NPS Well Tower Site.
Jan 16, 2022
Loominate Bike Ride in Christiansted
Aaron Hutchins President of the VI Trail Alliance and Jamie Keys Secretary both took an active part in supporting and promoting this family friendly event.
Dec 18, 2021
AARP-VI Recognizes Barbara Walsh for Her Commitment to Community Service
Oct 19, 2021
AARP Awards Two U.S.V.I. Organizations With Community Challenge Grants
Aug 26, 2021
NPS FY21 CHALLENGE COST SHARE AWARD
This project was made possible by an award from the National Park Trust and National Park Service via a nomination from NPS RTCA 01/2022 Update: This project will be completed at the end of January 2022.
Jul 8, 2021
MASK UP!!
VITAL supports the wearing of masks and have made 1000 masks available for distributed on St.
May 8, 2021
Christiansted Bypass Refurbishing
The VI Trail Alliance is dedicated to the community needs.
May 1, 2021
Press Release: CFVI Awards Over $1.4 Million for Recovery, Revitalization and Building Forward Projects
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has awarded grants to 18 USVI nonprofit organizations for a total of $1,480,735 in funding.
Feb 17, 2021
Preserve Point Udall's Natural Beauty
The other day, I got a text form a Crucian friend, Vivian St.
Jan 28, 2021
Oct 7, 2020
Learn more about VITAL on AARP Radio!
Join the discussion with VITAL on AARP Radio - 8/20/20!
Aug 20, 2020
Plaskett Supports H.R. 2 Infrastructure Bill: The INVEST in America Act
Jun 23, 2020
Denver AARP National Convention (updated 2/17/20)
Barbara Walsh attends and presents VITAL projects at breakout session at Denver AARP National Convention November 11-15!
Nov 15, 2019
Sep 5, 2019
Aug 10, 2019
Complete Streets Legislation being drafted for the Territory
On July 29 th , Senator Payne and his staff met with the Regional Director for AARP, Troy Schuster along with members of the Walkability Institute & others, both in person and by conference call at the AARP Board Room on St.
Jul 29, 2019
AARP Community Challenge Grant Grantee VI Press Release
AARP announced the awardees for its 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant program, including a recipient right here in The Virgin Islands.
Jul 24, 2019
VITAL participates in Walkability Institute Territory-Wide Video Production
The Walkability Institute of the VI is bringing awareness to the public regarding of the need for pedestrian infrastructure in the Territory through a public access video.
Jul 10, 2019
DOA Commissioner, Positive Nelson, Signs MOU with VITAL for Public Access to Trails on the Windsor Farm Properties
VITAL has been working diligently to design, build and maintain approximately 14.
Jul 10, 2019
MAY 18, 2019 HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO
VITAL seized the opportunity to update the community regarding progress made with the pathways, trails and parks initiative.
May 19, 2019
NPS, RTCA PROJECT DIRECTOR'S FIRST VISIT TO ST. CROIX
Vital has been waiting a long time to have the opportunity to host the NPS, RTCA (River, Trails & Conservation) Project Director, Jaime Doubek-Racine from the Regional Office in Sarasota Florida.
May 3, 2019
Walkability Survey Report
Full Walkability Report (PDF) Download VITAL Brochure (PDF) Download The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance (VITAL) corporation was created to identify, plan, develop, build, and manage a system of interconnecting multi-use pathways, green spaces, walking paths, and biking trails across the island of St.
Apr 12, 2019
FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Awards Nearly $1 Million for Spring Gut Watershed
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Wednesday awarded nearly $1 million to the U.
Mar 29, 2019
Agriculture Fair Walkability Map Survey
The VI Trail Alliance has been working in partnership with the walkability team on St.
Feb 18, 2019
VITAL Goals for 2019
GAIN SUPPORT FROM GOVERNOR ALBERT BRYAN AND COMMISSIONERS, ADVANCE PROJECTS AND EXPAND COLLABORATIVE PARTNERS: Continue to work in partnership with the Commissioner of DPW, Nelson Petty, Assistant Commissioner, Denis Brow and Staff.
Jan 1, 2019
VI Trail Alliance Board
The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance has been slowly working with multiple community leaders and organizations developing its reputation, sharing its vision and gaining support.
Jan 1, 2019
Nov 25, 2018
50 Acre Spring Gut Valley Nature Park Application
The formal application was submitted by the Witt Obrien Consultant Team in coordination with VITAL & partners; DPW, Dept.
Nov 1, 2018
Governor's Task Force
The Governor's Task Force Report Lists Pathways as part of their focus for recovery needs.
Oct 20, 2018
Walkability Guiding Principles to The Task Force
VITAL while working as a team member, of the St.
Oct 1, 2018
VITAL Receives Revive Award for CONCEPT PLAN
The VITAL concept plan was chosen by the Prior Family Foundation and the Miami University for an award recognizing the strength of the Project Plans as an Economic Driver for the Territory and a Pedestrian Infrastructure project that would support entrepreneurial and innovative business.
May 21, 2018
VITAL AWARDED NPS-RTCA Technical Assistance From the Dept. of Interior
The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance prepared an extensive application, after weeks of gathering support from government and local leaders.
Oct 8, 2017
VITAL joins St. Croix Walkability Team
Vital became an active, dedicated and valued member of the St.
Jun 14, 2017
VITAL Expansion - 501C3
When the VI Trail Alliance was first created it was focused on the building of dirt trails throughout the Territory.
Jun 11, 2017
Community Meeting
A meeting was called and attended by trail builders, park enthusiasts, pathway planners and founding supporters.
May 15, 2017
A New Park Project is Planned
A meeting took place on Sundial Park to discuss the possible creation of a new Public Access Park in the Spring Gut Valley and attended by Commissioner of Agriculture, Carlos Robles, Senate Majority Leader, Neville James and Alma Winkfield, Vice-President of the Spring Gardens Homes Association, #3 in Tulipan Welcome.
Apr 28, 2017
Ivan Butcher II - Support for B&B's and green spaces would lift St. Croix tourism
The 15th Caribbean Urban and Community Forestry Conference held this year in progressive Caguas, Puerto Rico, was for me a confirmation of many of the same issues and points I have been stressing and addressing.
Nov 15, 2016
Oct 28, 2016
Outstanding Citizen Award
The Outstanding Citizen Award was presented to Alma Winkfield on October 27th, 2016 at the 15 th Annual Caribbean Urban and Community Convention in Caguas, PR for the building of Sundial Park in St.
Oct 27, 2016
