Welcome to the first Seashore’s first newsletter!
Welcome to the first issue of Cape Chronicle! Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area (Seashore) became the Nation’s first National Seashore when it was established on January 12, 1953. Now, the Nation’s first Seashore has its first email newsletter! We look forward to providing regular updates on all of our recreational activities, along with interpretive programming schedules, safety information, and various other topics of interest.
Seashore Updates
Several updates related to recreational activities
- Access to the entire off-road vehicle (ORV) route from ORV ramp 72 to South Point on Ocracoke Island has reopened.
- August 1 marks the start of 6:30 am priority ORV ramp opening times. All other ORV ramps open at 7:00 am.
- The tip of Cape Point remains temporarily closed due to a Least Tern colony in various stages of nesting and chick-rearing. Staff monitor the area daily and will restore access when possible.
- There are areas of the park with standing water due to the significant amount of rain the Outer Banks region has received the last several days. Frisco Campground has plenty of sites available if you are planning a camping trip to Hatteras Island over the next week or two.
- Visitors can sign up for ocean safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890. The text messaging system is operated by Dare County with support from lifeguards and rescue squads operating on the Outer Banks.
Photo of the Week
Recent photo of the new Ocracoke passenger ferry shelter. (NPS photo)
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing ocean safety messages in person and online through social media. We are extremely grateful for your support.
Did You Know?
The 100th anniversary of the Mirlo Rescue takes place on August 16 in Rodanthe. At 2:00 pm, the Chicamacomico Drill Team will conduct the Beach Apparatus Drill followed by a ceremony that will include remarks by representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, descendants of the crew and others, the laying of the wreath honoring the nine British seaman who perished that day, a fly over by U.S. Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City, concluding with a band concert. Go here for more details.
Upcoming Events
- Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, 9:00 am to 4:15 pm
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Climbing
- Jul 28-Oct 8, 9:00 am to 4:15 pm
- Ocracoke Lighthouse Open House
- Jul 28, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Description: The base of the lighthouse will be open for viewing.
- Barrier Island Dynamics
- Jul 28-Aug 3, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: How do plants, wildlife, and people adapt to barrier island geologic change?
- Hurricane Alley
- Jul 28-30, 11:30 am - 12:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Hurricanes and nor'easters are a fact of life here. Learn how these powerful storms shaped the Outer Banks!
- Cape Hatteras Light Station Talk
- July 28-Aug 3, 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
- Ocracoke Lighthouse Open House
- Jul 29, 1:45 pm to 3:45 pm
- Description: The base of the lighthouse will be open for viewing.
- Fish With A Ranger (Buxton)
- Jul 30, 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Description: We have poles, but you MUST bring the bait! Limited to 15 participants. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum (or call 252-475-9622) beginning the Saturday before the program. You can not pre-register via email or internet.
- Crabbing With A Ranger
- Jul 30 & Aug 1, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: Learn about crabbing. Limited to 25 participants. Pre-register in person at the Ocracoke Visitor Center starting the Saturday prior to the program. You can not pre-register over the phone, email or internet.
- Ocean Safety Training w/Hatteras Island Rescue Squad
- Jul 30, 9:00 am to 9:30 am (48103 NC-12, Buxton)
- Pirates!
- Jul 30, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm & Aug 1, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Yes, they were here! Learn about Blackbeard and others.
- Barrier Island Nature
- Jul 30, 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm & Aug 3, 2:30 to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Join us for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Ocracoke After Dark
- Jul 30, 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of stargazing on the beach! Bring bug spray. Meet at the Ocracoke Day Use Area beach.
- Morning Bird Walk
- Jul 31, 8:00 am to 9:30 am (Meet at Fish Cleaning Tables Near Ramp 44)
- Description: Beginner and experienced birders alike can come explore beach and salt marsh bird habitats. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray and sunscreen.
- Cast Netting (Ocracoke)
- Jul 31, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: Cast netting is one of the oldest forms of fishing. Pre-register in person at the Ocracoke Visitor Center the Saturday prior to program.
- All About Turtles (Hatteras Island)
- Jul 31-Aug 3, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Join us for an activity-based program on the life and times of the endangered sea turtle.
- Ocracoke History
- Jul 31, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Learn about the island's rich history.
- War on Hatteras
- Jul 31-Aug 2, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm (Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion)
- Description: Learn of three wars that impacted this island.
- Night Sky Over Hatteras
- Jul 31, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (ORV Ramp 43 parking lot)
- Description: Bring your blankets, chairs, bug spray, and telescopes for this evening of stargazing on the beach.
- Cast Netting (Hatteras Island)
- Aug 1, 9:30 am to 11:00 am
- Description: Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum beginning the Saturday prior to the program. You cannot pre-register over the phone, email, or internet.
- All About Turtles (Ocracoke Island)
- Aug 1, 10:30 am to 11:00 am & Aug 3, 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm (Ocracoke Visitor Center Amphitheater)
- Description: Activities especially for kids.
- Dark Skies & Stars
- Aug 1, 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (ORV Ramp 25 parking lot)
- Description: Bring blankets, chairs, and telescopes for this evening of stargazing on the beach. Bring bug spray.
- Fish with a Ranger (Rodanthe)
- Aug 2, 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Description: We have poles, but you must bring the bait. Limited to 15 participants. Pre-register in person at the Hatteras Island Museum (or call 252-475-9622) beginning the Saturday before the program. You cannot pre-register via email or internet.
- Banker Ponies
- Aug 2, 10:30 am to 10:50 am (Ocracoke Pony Pen)
- Description: Meet the ponies unique to Ocracoke! Bring bug spray.
- Historic Lifesaving Drill Reenactment
- Aug 2, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
- Description: Every Thursday from June through August, a lifesaving drill reenactment is performed at the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe. Visit www.chicamacomico.org for more details.
- Soundside Seining (Hatteras Island)
- Aug 3, 8:30 am to 10:00 am (Sandy Bay soundside parking lot)
- Description: Discover the wildlife wonders of the Pamlico Sound using seining nets. Water shoes that secure onto your feet are required: no flip flops or Crocs. Wear clothing you can get wet.
- Outer Banks Bird Walk (Ocracoke Island)
- Aug 3, 8:30 am to 10:00 am (Ferry parking lot, north end of island)
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Bring bug spray.