The Institute involved presentations from experts in the field of water resources and water management and from faculty members from the University of the Virgin Islands.

One of the seminars was conducted by Marcia Taylor from the VI Marine Advisory Service reported on nonpoint source pollution and water testing parameters. This source of pollution is the most prevalent form of pollution in the Territory. It occurs when rain washes topsoil and pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, toxic and organic wastes down our hillsides and roadways into the ocean. The participants discussed the historical and economical development of St. Croix with Arnold Highfield, Ph.D. of UVI. Teachers also strengthened their knowledge of geology and hydrology. Greg Cherry from the U.S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, presented hydrogeologic and water quality data concerning the extent, structure, and groundwater flow model of the Kingshill aquifer system of St. Croix. Barry Devine, Ph.D., of the Eastern Caribbean Center, UVI and Nick Drayton, Director of Conservation Programs at the Nature Conservancy of the Virgin Islands & Eastern Caribbean presented detailed maps based on geographic information system (GIS) data. The maps target specific areas to identify soil types, watershed and biodiversity. They also provide the rapid ecological assessment. A GIS makes it possible to present scenarios and their consequences as a basis for decision-making.

The main field trips included: the Blue Mountain summit, Creque Dam hike, a Great Pond, wells and water sites on St. Croix, Buck Island turtle nesting, the UVI Wetlands Reserve and bird watching. During each field trip the participants were actively involved in identifying and studying local flora and fauna, types of rocks and soil, erosion, water testing and other aspects of the environment. The general area for investigation was the local watershed. The participants walked to the summit of Blue Mountain, studied the topography of the area and erosion, measured the slope using poles, and collected and analyzed water samples.

Groups of participants created a roster of science activities that are adaptable to our tropical environment. Activities were tied to a variety of assessment models representing each level. One of the other important environmental issues that resulted from our field trips was the protection of St. Croix's Great Pond and mangroves.

In this Institute, the participants focused more on water resources and water quality. Population growth and the growth of tourism have increased the demand for water on St. Croix. Demands for water are met by a combination of rainfall catchments (cisterns and ponds), groundwater, and desalination. Potential future projects were proposed by the participants. They include field studies and other investigations of the local watershed as well as groundwater. The major groundwater issues are contamination by hazardous wastes, leaking sewage facilities and saline water intrusion.

One idea at the start of the project was to find a way to trap and conserve the flood water that carries sediment into the sea that is smothering our coral. It was decided that teachers would work in three distinct groups to focus on insights into the past, present and future. As the project progressed a decision was made to merge the report from the group investigating the present activities with those from the group working on implications for future policies related to water management.

The overall theme was Water Resources and Management. It was learned that there is only one water dam - Creque Dam - on St. Croix and several water storing ponds at different locations. The major source of water are the aquifers in the center of the island. Two suggested projects that could be explored as ways to improve St. Croix are:

1. Dig to approximately ten feet deep and scrape away the clay, replace with sand, make a barrier dam to slow the water and allow it to percolate into the aquifer; and
2. Rapid filling of the Great Salt Pond caused by erosion from human activity could be mitigated by dredging.