An Elysium Paving the Future

VIERS – Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station, a once thriving community in St. John, United States Virgin Islands (USVI), was dedicated to science and research. Established in 1966, VIERS was a shared home to the Tektite habitat. Tektite was an underwater facility funded by NASA, the Office of Naval Research, and the U.S. Department of the Interior; built by General Electric’s Space Division, constructed by Seabees, and home to the first and subsequent Aquanauts. During the Tektite programs, VIERS, an onshore development consisting of labs and housing, was a home for the Seabees, who supported the scientists who lived underwater. The studies conducted under the Tektite programs would go on to help NASA better understand how astronauts work in isolated and confined areas. Tektite would further expand NASA’s development of future underwater habitats, such as NEEMO off the coast of Key Largo in 2001. When the Tektite programs ceased operations in 1970, the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) would use the site mainly for research. 

UVI owned the site, which inevitably no longer had the finances to oversee the property. In 1997, Randy Brown took over as the Executive Director. With his ability to facilitate relationships through Clean Islands International (CII), a non-profit he created, Randy gained the support of the local community and politicians to petition on his behalf. It ultimately allowed CII to outbid Rutgers University for the site. CII aimed to support island nations in environmental resource management through education and consultation on waste management and recycling. VIERS, at this time, became a legacy project that preserved the history of the programs once involved and continued to conduct research toward environmental and conservation improvements. Under Randy’s supervision, VIERS would house and support the research efforts of biologists from all over the globe. The research conducted from the field and lab facilities targeted the exploration of the biome, as well as learning and maintaining marine life and aerial life and restoring the coral reefs. During this time, notable scientific discoveries were made by researchers recognized in their field and had long-term ties to VIERS.

Randy’s background and vision allowed VIERS to blossom into a tool aimed at education for two decades. It was considered a living classroom for many university, school, research, and environmental groups. University students often supplemented their stateside classroom experience with field studies on St. John Island. Students, professors, and visitors formed a firm bond with VIERS, and because of this, it attracted many tourists, who, in turn, would support the local community during their stay. Many people who visited VIERS would return to St. John for years to come. While VIERS prided itself on ecological education, it was fundamental to personal exploration and the community over its life span. One of the initial goals was to make this portion of the National Park, from Cob Gut to Great Lameshur, more accessible and valuable to the community, ultimately making summer eco-camps and the Tektite Museum a success.

As a community resource, VIERS supported ecological education and science exploration in every capacity. Schools conducted ecological studies at the facilities thanks to a partnership with Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park. VIERS made it accessible to the younger generations of the USVI, where they could experience summer camps designed for education and exploration. The Environmental Youth programs exposed students to scientific and cultural lessons that were both imaginative and value-centered on protecting their natural environment. This concept openly invited the community to learn about native plants, trail history, water safety, and the culture surrounding them daily. By 2009, Randy Brown introduced the Tektite Museum, which preserved the history and invited day visitors to the VIERS site. In the off-season, many tourists and locals visited intending to take a tour, often leaving donations or buying VIERS merchandise. These funds went directly toward site improvements, meals, and summer camp resources.

Under Randy Brown, VIERS became more than just a place for Seabees to rest their heads or biologists to encamp. It was an idea that inspired generations to see their world differently. The tremendous historical feats tied to the Lameshur Bay area that cultivated and stirred visions would shape the future practices of community education and environmental conservation. Randy’s ability to bridge the gap between the community and its land allowed for a thriving project, and its byproduct has undoubtedly transcended the world. A straightforward idea helped develop a culture and instill values in people. These were learned by reconnecting with the earth, learning more about the world surrounding them, and understanding more about themselves. VIERS solely functioned from funding and relationships. It was a vehicle that did not belong to anyone or any place. It was a shared space whose original structures were an invitation to experience a world beyond anything tangible. It was not a permanent address but a home to many. In summation, from the stories and conversations about VIERS, it was a utopia that stretched its arms to give itself to those lucky enough to experience it. These individuals continue to practice what they have learned from their time spent alongside Randy Brown and the culture VIERS incepted.

“ Keep moving forward.”