Science Saturday Ӏ Agrifest: Agriculture and Technology: An Ideal Mix in 2026
The Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas (TPPA) team attended the 54th Annual Agrifest on St. Croix. Director Kristina “Kitty” Edwards and her team shared tent space with the eleven other divisions that make up the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). The three-day event was one to remember. DPNR team members interacted with the community throughout the weekend.
During this month’s Science Saturday at Agrifest, Kitty spent time engaging with several members of various DPNR divisions who described their division’s community-centered Ag Fair activities. TPPA’s focus at this year’s event was to make connections with community members through meaningful conversations. Kenneth “Kenny” Douyon, a NOAA fellow on the TPPA team, explained their team’s interactive logo activity. Visitors to the TPPA booth were asked to identify all seven elements in the TPPA logo, each representing a local plant, animal, or historical artifact. Nearby at the East End Marine Park (EEMP) table, Kelcie Troutman shared a wealth of knowledge about their programs. EEMP also gave away free native trees such as the Sea Grape, Orange Manjack and several others. Guests were eager to learn about how to care for each plant.
As Kitty continued her tour through the tent, Sabrina Pickett from the Division of Coastal Zone Management explained what watersheds are and why they matter. Visitors were able to manipulate a map of St. Croix’s watersheds to see if they could identify where each is located and how our on-land behaviors impact our oceans through interconnected systems. Representatives from the Division of Environmental Protection also emphasized the importance of keeping contaminants out of the waters and explained the reverse osmosis purification process used to remove impurities.
On the other side of the tent, Ryan Harke and George Tyson encouraged residents to utilize the resources available territory-wide through the State Historic Preservation Offices. These services are available to anyone needing assistance or consultations when building or renovating historic structures.
The Division of Building Permits team was also on-site, urging the community to reach out with any questions about the new online permitting process or other development concerns, especially when determining whether properties are located within a flood plain.
Near the end of Kitty’s winding tour, the Division of Fish and Wildlife showcased a display with activities for both adults and children. One hands-on activity focused on items commonly found on beaches. Visitors could sort objects into three categories: trash, take it home or leave it behind. It’s important to know what you can take when leaving island.
Outside DPNR’s tent, the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums offered an inviting, kid-friendly display with an “I Love My Library” theme. Visitors were able to read books, color, cut out and decorate hearts, and write special messages. Guests could also choose fun prizes from the treasure box.
If you want to see all the detailed displays in DPNR’s Agrifest tent, click the link below to watch the full tour with Kitty.
Science Saturday, a monthly Facebook LIVE event, airs on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Watch the full interview on the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Facebook page or the Science Saturday YouTube playlist.
