What Is VIERS?


 By
 Kirsten Canoy
 Manager, VI Ecological Research Station
 The University of the Virgin Islands Ecological Research
 Station (VIERS) located on the southeast coast of St. John at
 Lameshur Bay has a bounty of natural eco-systems available
 for study and research by Virgin Islands schools and organi-
 zations. Undisturbed by human development, students,
 teachers and scientists interested in learning more about
 our islands in a natural setting and in how to preserve their
 fragile beauty, can use VIERS as their base.

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 Activities at VIERS are wide and varied. Walking tours,
archeological hikes, slide/talk shows, educational seminars
and classes for credit are just some of the programs offered.
A large number of students from off island attend classes,
do laboratory research and learn diving techniques neces-
sary to conduct research and understand the underwater
world.


Visting St. Thomas class gathers at entrance to dining room
for lunch. A dry lab and museum is on the right.
 The Research Station has accommodations for forty stu-
dents and several cabins available for researchers to live in.
There is also a large classroom, kitchen-dining room, office,
workshops and a study area with up-to-date computers.
These twelve buildings are located inland from Greater
Lameshur Bay, a short walk from the University laboratory
and boat docking area.
 VIERS is recognized by many as a nearly perfect environ-
ment to learn about the tropical islands of the Caribbean. Its
isolation and natural balance combine to create a sanctuary
for study and research which is ideal for those who feel at
home in a simple rustic setting. Inquiries may be addressed
to Manager of VIERS, P.O. 719, University of the Virgin
Islands, Cruz Bay, St. John, VI 00830 (Telephone 776-6721).


VIERS assistant manager Vincent Powell and Manager
Kristen Canoy. In background are dormitory cabins.
 The natural eco-systems of the Greater Lameshur Bay
area, which are in the National Park, include mangroves,
rocky and sandy beaches, salt ponds, coral reefs and tropi-
cal vegetation, insects and animals. Animals which can be
seen include feral donkeys, white tailed deer, wild pigs and
of course, the ever populating mongooses. With the en-
couragement of the National Park Services, VIERS research
is being conducted to better understand th environment as
well as the measures needed to protect it. Research proj-
ects at VIERS include study of island foods coming from the
ocean: conch, whelk (wilk), lobster, fish and even sea weed
are being researched to find ways to increase their popu-
lation to meet the food supply demands by our citizens and
visitors.


Meeting informally after a VIERS tour are (from left- Dr.
Darshan S. Padda, UVI vice-president, UVI president Dr.
Arthur A. Richards, St. John's Noble Samuel, and UVI
trustee Dr. James Fleming.