Seashore Announces Its July Interpretive Program Schedule

Date: July 7, 2011
Contact: Wouter Ketel, 252-728-2250 ext. 3005

Cape Lookout National Seashore announced the following programs and activities for the month of July.  Programs will run on schedule unless there is inclement weather. For more information on these programs and other program offerings, call the Visitor Center on Harkers Island at [phone] for a complete schedule.

Cape Lookout Lighthouse

Climbing the Cape Lookout Lighthouse (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays) Everyone wishing to climb to the top must be at least 44 inches tall and able to climb the 207 steps in the tower on their own. No one may be carried up or down the tower. Climbs will begin every 15 minutes from 10:00 am until 3:30 pm with a limit of 10 people per tour.

Tickets are required. Purchase your tickets at the Light Station Visitor Center near the ferry dock. See the park’s website (www.nps.gov/calo/planyour visit/lighthouse-climbs.htm) for information on ticket prices and how to make advance ticket reservations.

The seashore will announce on Twitter (www.twitter.com/CapeLookoutNPS) – when lighthouse tickets are sold out for the day and when any weather related closures occur.

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 11:00 AM, 1:30 PM, and 3:30 PM on the porch of the Assistant Keepers’ Quarters next to the Lighthouse.

Discovery Cart (Daily, 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!  Program begins 12:30 PM at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock.

Seashore Treasure ID (Daily, 15 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. Program begins at 2:00 PM at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock. 

Life of a Keeper (Daily, 30 minutes)

Lighthouse Keepers were dedicated men and women who kept the light burning through fair weather and hurricanes. Come and discover how they, and their families, managed to keep the light burning. Program begins at 3:00 PM at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock. 

Island Exploration  (Offered Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday,  30 minutes)

Come join a Park Ranger for new adventures at Cape Lookout National Seashore. From the ocean to the sound, from the sea to the sky, these programs will take you on a different encounter with nature each day. Program begins at 10:30 AM.  Meet at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock.

Coastal Heroes (Offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 30 minutes) 

Heroes come from all walks of life. Lighthouse Keepers, U.S. Life-Saving Service surfmen, U.S. Coast Guard, and local residents have shown strength and courage throughout history. Come and hear the adventurous stories of their heroic actions.  Program begins at 10:30 AM at the Light Station Pavilion near the ferry dock.

Harkers Island Visitor Center

MaritimeForestGuided Tour (Saturday, 1 hour)

Come learn how the native plants and animals survive with the constant threat of the force of nature and enjoy a pleasant hike with great views and a chance to see shore birds, crabs and other island life. Programs begin at 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM at the 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.   

A shorter (16 minute) version of this film is shown daily in the mini-theater in the Keepers’ Quarters Museum near the lighthouse.

Portsmouth Village 

Portsmouth Village Guided Tour (Friday and Saturday, 1 hour)

Join a Park Ranger or 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 Dock in Portsmouth Village.