National Seashore Updates for the Week of May 2
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) announced several recent updates and news items related to recreational activities and seashore conditions on Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
News items and events related to the National Seashore for the week of May 2 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- Shorebird nesting season is off to a strong start this year. There are two American oystercatcher nests and two piping plover nests in the Cape Point area. Three of the four nests are a fair distance west of the Point, but one of the nests is near it. A driving corridor was established in front of the nest area on April 9 to allow passage of off-road vehicles to open areas.
- Least tern activity across the Seashore is being observed and Seashore staff expect to observe nests any day now. About 70 Least terns are showing signs that nesting will occur soon near the Cape Point area. Once nesting begins, protection areas will be put in place and they may affect access to the southern tip of Cape Point.
- Night driving restrictions started the evening of May 1. For current beach access information, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
- The Federal Highway Administration is doing great work preserving park roads in Buxton. Learn more about the one-year FHWA project to preserve pavement at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial at https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/fhwa_2019_2020_preservation_project.htm
Upcoming Events
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program
- Dates: May 3-10, 10:30 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
- 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.
Shaping the Barrier Islands – Interpretive Program
- Dates: May 3-10, 3:30-3:50 p.m.
- 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.
Visit the Ocracoke Lighthouse
- Dates: May 3-6 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Description: The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse will be open for viewing.
Beach Cleanup Volunteer Events
- Dates: June 22 and September 21 (details to follow)
Special Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move Interpretive Program
- Date: May 3, 10:30 am to 11:00 a.m. (daily through October 14)
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavillion
- Description: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move, park rangers will present daily interpretive lighthouse move programs beginning May 3 and continuing through October 14. Additional interpretive programming and a special anniversary event will be held between June 17 and July 9, (the same dates as the lighthouse move in 1999). More details to be announced soon.
1st Annual Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration
- Date: November 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
