As part of the Flags Across America initiative for America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing stories from the places where our commemorative flags have traveled. From historic hatcheries to vibrant refuges, each stop celebrates conservation as an enduring American value. Join us as we highlight the lands, waters and wildlife that connect our nation’s past, present and future.
We haven't met anyone who doesn't want to see sea turtle hatchlings scurry down a beach from their nests to the ocean. But in case they're out there, a visit to Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands might change their minds.
The refuge includes one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean. The beach is one of the world’s most important nesting sites for endangered leatherback sea turtles.
Perhaps that’s why the flags visited in May 2026, hoping to see some hatchlings. As you can see, they were not disappointed. (Those are leatherback hatchlings.)
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge was established specifically to protect nesting habitat of the leatherback, the largest turtle in the world, weighing in at up to 2,000 pounds and reaching up to 8 feet in length. The similarly endangered hawksbill sea turtle and the threatened green sea turtle also nest at the refuge.
Later, 43 acres were added to conserve the Aklis site, an important pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Caribbean region, and a stand of the endangered Vahl’s boxwood tree.
During the April-to-August nesting season, the beach is closed to the public to protect the turtles. Hundreds of volunteers help with the turtle recovery program.
Thousands more participate in the educational experience of guided sea turtle nesting and hatching observation.
“The Flags Across America event at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when our community comes together in service,” says Silmarie Padrón, project leader of the Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. “We are deeply grateful to our dedicated volunteers whose passion and hard work help protect this extraordinary coastal sanctuary. While Sandy Point is world-renowned as a haven for leatherbacks, it is equally vital to witness hawksbills and green sea turtles returning year after year, choosing these pristine shores as their favorite nesting ground in St. Croix. Our volunteers are the heart of this refuge, ensuring that both our nation's history and our island's precious marine life are honored and preserved for generations to come.”
The rest of the year, the beach is open weekends for residents and tourists to enjoy. Every year, thousands flock to Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy the wide, sandy beach and warm, clear waters in a natural setting.
Next up, we follow the flags to Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, which is approximately the size of South Carolina but has no roads or facilities. Stay tuned for the next chapter on this historic tour!
