Cape Lookout National Seashore’s July Programs

Date: July 9, 2014
Contact: Wouter Ketel, 252-728-2250, ext. 3014

HARKERS ISLAND, NC–Remote and isolated - the islands of Cape Lookout National Seashore have many stories that are rarely heard. Come explore the hidden beauty and history of your local National Park during a Ranger-led interpretive program.

Programs will be offered at the Light Station Keepers' Quarters Museum near the lighthouse and at the Harkers Island Visitor Center. Special programs are offered on select dates at other locations with the park. There may be a fee charged for a special program. For more information on these programs, or to request a program for your family or group, call 252-728-2250.

Daily Programs and Activities

Ribbon of Sand (film) (26 minutes)

Travel through the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the sound side marshes and estuaries to the thin protective line of islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. The film is shown upon request. For your convenience, this film is open-captioned, audio described and assistive listening devices are available.

A shorter version (16 minutes) of the film is shown daily upon request at the Keepers' Quarters Museum. For your convenience this version is open-captioned.

Lighting the Way (10:30 AM, 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM, 15 minutes)

Learn the history of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the life of a lighthouse keeper.
Location: Light Station Keepers' Quarters Museum Porch

Harkers Island Visitor Center and Ferry Gateway

Weekend programs and Activities – Saturdays and Sundays at 1:00 and 3:00 pm

Sunday, July 13

Discovery Cart (1:00 PM, 30 minutes) – From giant whale bones to the tiniest shells and everything in between: take a closer look at some of the natural treasures found on the beach. Through this hands-on activity, learn about horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, whales, shells, and the many other creatures that share our world.

Coastal Heroes (3:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Join a ranger to hear the stories of people who risked their lives to rescue strangers from the Graveyard of the Atlantic.

Saturday, July 19

The Many Hats of a Ranger (1:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Explore some of the many jobs of National Park Service Rangers – Research biologists, search & rescue crews, firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, Interpreters. Kids can dress up in a variety of Ranger uniforms.

Kings of the Ocean: Sharks & Whales (3:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Sharks, Whales, and Dolphins … "Oh My". Get the inside scoop on these ocean inhabitants from the smallest sand sharks to the largest whales.

Sunday, July 20

Discovery Cart (1:00 PM, 30 minutes) – From giant whale bones to the tiniest shells and everything in between: take a closer look at some of the natural treasures found on the beach. Through this hands-on activity, learn about horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, whales, shells, and the many other creatures that share our world.

Beacons of the Coast (3:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Join a ranger and learn about the legacy of the iconic lighthouses on the North Carolina coast.

Saturday, July 26

Beach Babies: Shorebird Nesting (1:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Cape Lookout National Seashore isn't just a great place to relax on the beach. These beaches also provide vital nesting grounds for endangered and threatened shorebirds. Find out how to spot shorebird nests and learn how you can help protect them.

Discovery Cart (3:00 PM, 30 minutes) – From giant whale bones to the tiniest shells and everything in between: take a closer look at some of the natural treasures found on the beach. Through this hands-on activity, learn about horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, sharks, whales, shells, and the many other creatures that share our world.

Sunday, July 27

Maritime ForestTrail Tour (1:00 PM, 45 minutes) - It has never been easy for living things to survive at the edge of the sea, and only the strongest, most resilient plants and animals thrive in this salty, water-starved habitat. Join a ranger for a walk on the Soundside Nature Trail and learn how native plants and animals survive with the constant threat of the forces of nature.

Coastal Communities (3:00 PM, 30 minutes) – Although bridges and roads connect the northern Outer Banks to the mainland, many years ago, the people who lived on these barrier islands were isolated and had to rely on themselves and live off the land and sea. Join us as we step back in time and remember these hearty souls.

Special Programs – Select Dates

Horse Sense and Survival Tour – Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 19 – Reservations required, Fee for ferry transportation

The wild horses of Shackleford Banks are fascinating to observe but may be difficult to find. Join a Ranger for a half day walking trip to find horses and watch their behavior. The park will arrange transportation by local ferries; there will be a charge for this ride. If you have your own boat, call the park for reservations and meeting locations. There is no charge for the walking program. Call [phone] for reservations, more information on the program, ferry costs and other information.

Moonrise Lighthouse Climbing Tour – Thursday, July 10; Friday, July 11 & Saturday, July 12 – Tickets required, there is a fee for these tours.

Ever wondered what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper? Bring your own flashlight and experience the lighthouse as the keepers did, in the dark of night. Hear stories of the light keepers and watch the moon as it rises over the Atlantic Ocean and reflects off the waters of Core Sound.

A special ferry trip will depart Harkers Island at 7:30 PM and return at about 10:00 PM. During the climb the Keepers Quarters Museum will be open.

Tickets for the Moonrise Tours must be purchased in advance and are non-refundable unless the trip is cancelled due to the weather. The cost for the program is $23 for adults, $12 for children (11 and under), $19 for seniors (62 and older), and $19 for Access Pass holders (for the Moonrise Tours the ferry cost is included in the price of the program.)

Reservations for the Moonrise Tours can be made Monday through Friday, between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, beginning Monday, June 2, 2014. To make a reservation, call 252-728-2250, extension 3020.

Family Night at the Library – Tuesday, July 21 (6:30 PM, 1 hour) Free

Come join us at the Carteret County Public Library for an evening learning about lighthouses, lighthouse keepers and the history of Cape Lookout. Dress up like a lighthouse keeper, discover how tall North Carolina lighthouses are, and learn about the importance of lighthouses.