Southgate Coastal Reserve is located a little over 3 miles east of Christiansted, between Green Cay Marina and Chenay Bay Beach Resort. The reserve totals 100 acres and includes a coastal salt pond, mangrove forest, beach forest and upland grassland. The pond and surrounding wetlands provide a habitat for many resident and migrant birds, including several threatened or endangered species. The St. Croix Environmental Association (or ‘SEA’) developed a trail with a bird blind overlooking Southgate Pond, which you can read more about here. Three species of sea turtles nest on the beach berm – all are classified as threatened or endangered.​

After carefully assessing the site’s habitats, SEA is developing the site for bird watching, education and recreation activities. Several new trails have been added, benches have been placed at resting spots, and educational signs are being installed. 

Visiting The Reserve

The Southgate Coastal Reserve driveway is off of East End Road between Chenay Bay and Cheeseburgers. Park in the grass at the driveway entrance. The trailhead is marked with a small sign about 20 yards west of the driveway. There is now a network of trails to explore! If you choose the left option from the start, the hike back to the Salt Pond is about .3 miles.

Bird Watching (Birding)

You will find the newly completed bird-viewing hide, a special place for bird watching, education and recreation for the community that respects and preserves the delicate Southgate ecosystem. The S.E.A. is also working to expand and improve habitat for wildlife through reforestation and protection of nesting habitat.

Whether you are a first time bird watcher or a novice, please remember to be respectful and enjoy watching these creatures acting and interacting in their natural environment. Here are some important things to remember while bird watching:

• Avoid chasing or flushing the birds.
• Walk slowly and quietly, and stay concealed.
• Observe and photograph birds without disturbing them (cars work great as blinds).
• Avoid using recordings to attract birds.
• Stay on existing roads and trails to avoid trampling fragile habitats.
• Do not disturb nesting birds, or tamper with an exposed nest, regardless of whether there are visible eggs.
• Leave all habitats as you find them and do not litter, some birds might mistake garbage for food.
• In general, act in ways that do not endanger the welfare of wildlife and that do not harm the environment.

If you would like to know what birds you may see here on St. Croix, visit ebird Caribbean.