Seashore Announces Its July 2010 Interpretive Program Schedule

Date: July 1, 2010

Contact: Wouter Ketel, [phone] Ext. 3005

Harkers Island, North Carolina. Superintendent Russ Wilson announces the following summer activities during the month of July at the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Additional programs may be offered.  Programs will run on schedule, unless there is inclement weather. For more information on these programs and other program offerings call the Harkers Island Visitor Center at [phone] for a complete schedule.

Shackleford Banks

Horse Sense and Survival, July 7 (6 hours), By Reservation Only

The wild horses on Shackleford Banks are fascinating to observe, but may be difficult to find. Join a Park Ranger for a day-long walking trip to find horses and watch their behavior. The park will arrange transportation by local ferries and there will be a charge for this ride. If you have your own boat, call the park for the reservations and meeting locations. There is no charge for the walking program. Come prepared for a day in the sun and walking through deep sand. Bring water, lunch, bug repellent, sunscreen, a sun hat, binoculars, and camera with telephoto lens. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes to walk in deep sand and those that can get wet and muddy. Call Cape Lookout National Seashore at [phone] for reservations.

Cape LookoutLighthouse

Lighting the Way (Daily, 15 minutes)

Come learn the history of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and the life of a lighthouse keeper.  Programs begin at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30PM on the porch of the Assistant Keepers’ Quarters next to the Lighthouse.

Island Explorations (Daily, 30 minutes)

Come join a Park Ranger for new adventures at Cape Lookout National Seashore. From the ocean to the sound and from the sea to the sky, these programs will take you on a different encounter with nature each day. Programs begin at 11:15 PM at the Light Station Pavillion near the ferry dock.

Discovery Cart (Monday and Tuesday, 30 minutes)

Come and discover what lies beneath the waters of Cape Lookout National Seashore at our Discovery Cart.  Learn about horseshoe crabs, loggerhead sea turtles, sea urchins, sharks, whales, shells and the creatures of that live within them, and much more! Programs begin at 1:15 PM at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock.

Look What I Found! (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 45 minutes)

What is it? Is it still alive? How did it get here? Bring your beach treasures and discover the answers to these questions and more! Our knowledgeable staff will be available during this time with field guides, magnifying glasses, and other materials to help you. Staff will be available from 1:15 pm to 2:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 3:45 pm at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock.

Ribbon of Sand (Film) (Daily upon request, 17 minutes)

This film offers spectacular imagery, including aerial and underwater photography, to describe the Cape Lookout ecosystem.  Shown in the mini-theater at the Keepers Quarters’ Museum, this is a slightly shorter version of the park’s film may be started at anytime. This film is open-captioned and the soundtrack is also broadcast for use by t-coil compatible assitive listening.

Harkers Island Visitor Center

Ribbon of Sand (Film) (Daily upon request, 26 minutes)

This film offers spectacular imagery, including aerial and underwater photography, to describe the Cape Lookout ecosystem from the soundside marshes and estuaries to the thin protective line of barrier islands of the Outer Banks and the ocean depths beyond. This film is open-captioned and shown in a large screen format in the Harkers Island Visitor Center theater. 

Coastal Creatures (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, July 13 – August 6) (30 minutes)

From wild horses to microscopic crustaceans and everything in between, these programs will take you on a different encounter with nature each day. Programs begin at 2:30 PM at the Harkers Island Visitor Center.

Kites on the Cape (Tuesday and Friday, July 13 – August 6) (30 minutes)

Uncover the secrets of the wind long used by sailors to navigate the waters of the coast and use them to perform stunts in the air. Bring your own kite or borrow one of ours! Programs begin at 11:00 AM at the Harkers Island Visitor Center.

Fish with a Ranger (Wednesday and Thursday, July 13 – August 6) (30 minutes)

Discover some of the creatures which live in the waters along the seashore as you learn the basics of surf fishing. This program is open to kids age 15 and younger as well as licensed adults. Programs begin at 11:00 AM at the Harkers Island Visitor Center.

Portsmouth Village

Portsmouth Village Guided Tour (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1 hour)

Join a park volunteer for this guided tour through historic Portsmouth Village. Discover what life was like for those who once called Portsmouth and the Outer Banks home. Bring drinking water, bug repellent and sunscreen. There are no amenities in the village. Programs begin at 10:30 AM at the Haulover Point dock in Portsmouth Village.