Why Conservation Matters in St. John — and How Private Landowners Shape the Island’s Future

Preserving What Makes St. John, St. John

There’s a reason St. John feels different the moment you arrive.
The hills remain green. The waters stay clear. The island still breathes.

That doesn’t happen by accident.

Recently, the St. John Land Conservancy accepted a donation of a permanent conservation easement on a privately owned parcel high on Bordeaux Mountain within the Coral Bay watershed. While the land remains in private ownership, it is now forever protected from future development—ensuring the preservation of forest cover, soil integrity, and the natural systems that support the surrounding watershed.

This is conservation at its most powerful: quiet, intentional, and lasting.

Why Conservation Easements Matter

In an island ecosystem like St. John, everything is connected.
Mountains feed ghuts—natural rainwater channels that carry stormwater downhill—supporting watersheds, reefs, and coastal ecosystems. Ghuts feed watersheds. Watersheds protect reefs. Reefs protect the island.

Once land is developed, that chain is broken permanently.

By choosing a conservation easement, this landowner relinquished significant building potential to protect something far greater—the long-term environmental health of St. John. It’s a reminder that stewardship isn’t just about preserving views; it’s about safeguarding the systems that allow the island to thrive.

Private Landowners, Collective Impact

Founded in 2011, the St. John Land Conservancy works collaboratively with landowners to protect land from future development. Past successes include the preservation of historic Haulover on the East End in St. John and land at Lovango Cay—places now protected for public enjoyment and future generations.

Each conserved parcel strengthens the whole.

For residents, buyers, and those considering a future in St. John, this work matters. Conservation protects not only the island’s beauty, but its value, resilience, and way of life.

Love for the Land: A Chance to Give Back

Preservation also depends on community support. The Land Conservancy’s annual Love for the Land fundraiser is back, offering a unique opportunity to help protect endangered properties while entering to win a complete St. John getaway—including time in both Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. The drawing closes this Sunday — last opportunity to enter.

It’s a celebration of place, purpose, and possibility.

Why Islandia Shares These Stories

At Islandia | Christie’s International Real Estate, we believe responsible real estate and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Understanding how land is protected—and why—helps ensure St. John remains St. John for generations to come.

Because preservation isn’t about stopping progress.
It’s about choosing the right kind.