Photo of the Week
Newly hatched least tern chick in the Cape Point area.
Seashore Updates
- Due to dry conditions, a beach fire ban at the Seashore was announced the evening of May 30. The beach fire ban remains in effect.
- Seashore staff, members from the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society, and Jessica Green from Outer Banks Forever, continue to plan the July 1st special event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. [Press Release]
- A protection buffer is in place at Cape Point to protect American oystercatcher and least tern chicks, as well as nesting black skimmers. There are also multiple piping plover chicks and over 50 least tern chicks in the Cape Point area.
- ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44.
- Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
- There are almost 26 miles of oceanside beach routes open for ORV access across the Seashore.
- For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. For field summary, go to http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary. Mileage and field summaries are updated every Thursday during the shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons.
- Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Dates: Daily until Oct 14, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Dates: June 12-13 from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Description: The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move
- Dates: June 8-14 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Learn about the monumental move event that happened in 1999 when the entire light station was moved 2,900 feet away from the threat of a changing shoreline.
- Dates: June 8-14 from 3:30-4:00 pm (daily program)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
- Description: Wars, wind, hurricanes, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about some of these events and the changes they have made to the island.
- Date: June 10 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Buxton
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 11 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Rodanthe
- Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 11 and June 14 from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Hands-on games or activities for kids and families all about seashore animals.
- Date: June 11 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Location: Ramp 43 parking area
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.
- Date: June 12 from 9:30-11:00 am
- Location: Location varies, call to pre-register
- Description: Practice this early method of fishing still used today. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
- Date: June 13 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
- Location: Meet at the fish cleaning tables near Ramp 44
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray.
- Date: June 14 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Salvo Sound Access (Day Use Area)
- Description: Meet at Salvo Sound Access for soundside exploration and discovery.
Pirates!
- Dates: June 10 from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm and June 12 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Learn about Blackbeard and others with a park ranger.
- Dates: June 10 from 3:00 pm to 3:30 pm and June 13 from 2:30 am to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Join a park ranger for a talk about the wild side of the park.
- Dates: June 11-12 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am and June 14 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Activities for all ages.
- Dates: June 11 from 2:30 pm to 3:00 pm and June 13 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Location: Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Learn about the island’s rich past.
- Dates: June 12-13 from 9:00-9:30 am
- Location: Ocracoke Pony Pasture
- Description: Meet the ponies unique to Ocracoke! Bring bug spray.
- Date: June 14 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
- Location: Meet at public parking lot adjacent to campground
- Description: Join a ranger for an island exploration. Fun for all ages! Bring bug spray.
Beach Cleanup Volunteer Events
- Dates: June 22 and Sept 21. View press release for June 22 event details.
- Date: July 1, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
- Location: Event tent near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Description: The public is invited to a free event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. The event will include speeches, a question and answer session, expanded interpretive programming, activities for children, and free lighthouse climbing! See press release for more details.
- Date: Nov 2
- Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
- Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. More details about this event will be posted on a special event web page and Facebook event page.