CHNS has highest visitation on record for first five months of 2021, and more updates for the week of June 10
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 June 10 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore hosted over 900,000 visits in the first five months of 2021. This is the highest level of visitation to start a year on record. 316,898 visits occurred last month, a 53,000 visit increase over May 2019.
- Meaghan Johnson was recently selected as the chief of resource management and science for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Cape Lookout National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, Moores Creek National Battlefield and Wright Brothers National Memorial. [News Release]
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore is looking for volunteers to help park rangers staff the Ocracoke Visitor Center when it reopens in the coming weeks. As part of the interpretation and education team, volunteers will help greet visitors, orient them to the island and provide educational information to visitors of all ages. Apply now
- Off-road vehicle permits can only be purchased online at www.recreation.gov or over the phone by calling 877-444-6777.
- Permit holders who do not have access to a printer to print the proof-of-permit, can easily pick up a self-certification card outside each visitor center or at many local tackle shops. On the self-certification card, simply write in the information from the permit, sign the card and place on dashboard.
- Current beach access information is located at http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
- Multiple least tern nests were discovered within the Cape Point protection buffer yesterday. The protection buffer was modified on May 15 to protect three American oystercatcher chicks.
- Before you visit the beach, go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx to view the daily rip current risk level and beach conditions forecast. Visitors can sign up to receive Outer Banks beach safety text messages by texting “OBXBeachConditions” to 77295.
Special Events
Volunteer Beach Cleanups
- Date: Saturday, June 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Location: Coquina Beach Access and Old Lighthouse Beach Access
- Details: Help Seashore staff clean the beach at two separate locations. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All volunteers are encouraged to bring leather gloves, water, snacks and sunscreen.
- Concurrent with the Seashore beach cleanups, the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association (NCBBA) will be stationed at off-road vehicle ramps where visitors can obtain trash bags for collecting litter. Participants in the NCBBA event are asked to deposit trash bags at ramp entrances for collection when leaving the beach. For more information, Tom Brueckner at tom.brueckner@ncbba.org
Upcoming Events
Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing
- Dates: Monday-Sunday (Daily) through Oct. 11. First climb at 9 a.m. and final climb at 5:30 p.m.
- Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Tickets go on sale daily at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.
Bodie Island Educational Programs/Activities (May 29-Sept. 6, 2021)
The Bodie Island Lighthouse – Lighting the way for almost 150 years
- Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet on the back patio of the Double Keepers’ Quarters
- Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Daily from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet on back patio of the Double Keepers’ Quarters
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 this islands.
Hatteras Island Educational Programs/Activities (May 29-Sept. 6, 2021)
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Lighting the way for over 150 years
- Dates: Daily from 10-10:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and provide information about current restoration efforts.
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Daily from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 these islands.
Especially for Kids
- Dates: Every Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
- Description: Learn about seashore animals through hands-on games and activities for kids and families.
Surf Fish with a Ranger
- Dates: Every Tuesday from 8:30-10 a.m.
- Location: Frisco, N.C.
- Description: Ever wanted to try your hand at surf fishing? We bring the poles, you bring the bait. Registration is required. Visit the Hatteras Island Visitor Center to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
For Kids: Soundside Explorers
- Dates: Every Tuesday from 2:30-4 p.m.
- Location: Salvo, N.C.
- Description: Join a ranger for this activity-based exploration of the Pamlico Sound. Registration is required. Visit the Hatteras Island Visitor Center to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
Castnetting
- Dates: Every Wednesday from 9:30-11 a.m.
- Location: Buxton, N.C.
- Description: Come try your hand at this early method of fishing still being used today. Registration is required. Visit the Hatteras Island Visitor Center to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.
Old Days at the Weather Station
- Dates: Every Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 p.m.
- Location: U.S. Weather Bureau Station in Hatteras, N.C.
- Description: Come explore the historic U.S. Weather Bureau Station and hear amazing stories that intertwine with our own lives and major historic events.
Morning Bird Walk
- Dates: Every Thursday from 8-9:30 a.m.
- Location: Fishing cleaning tables near off-road vehicle ramp 44
- Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available.
Dark Skies Over Hatteras
- Dates: Every Thursday from 9-10 p.m.
- Location: Meet at off-road vehicle ramp 43
- Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.
Buxton Woods Nature Walk
- Dates: Every Friday from 8-9:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet at the picnic area across from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
- Description: Join a ranger for a 3/4 mile guided walk through the Buxton Woods and explore a diverse maritime forest ecosystem.
Ocracoke Island Educational Programs/Activities (May 29-Sept. 6, 2021)
Ocracoke Island Lighthouse – Lighting the way for almost 200 years
- Dates: Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Location: Ocracoke Lighthouse
- Description: Visit the lighthouse and discuss the details and history of this beautiful beacon. The base of the lighthouse will be staffed and open on dates and times listed above from June 2 through August 13. Additional opportunities to view the base of the lighthouse may be possible in the coming weeks. The boardwalk and grounds are always open for visitors to walk up to the lighthouse.
Stories of Ocracoke Island
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.m.
- Location: Meet outside visitor center
- Description: Learn about the location and legacy of Ocracoke Island. From serving as an early port village and primary point of entry to North Carolina to Blackbeard’s final battle, Ocracoke Island possesses a unique heritage resulting from its continued remote setting.
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet outside visitor center
- Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 these islands.
Banker Ponies
- Dates: Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m.
- Location: Pony Pen
- Description: Come meet the ponies who once roamed as a wild herd and learn about their living history on Ocracoke Island.
War Comes to Ocracoke
- Dates: Every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4-4:30 p.m.
- Location: Meet outside Ocracoke Visitor Center
- Description: Learn about the role Ocracoke Island and the Outer Banks have played in shaping our country’s conflicts.
Explore the Shore
- Dates: Every Wednesday from 9-9:45 a.m.
- Location: Meet outside at the beach access parking area adjacent to the Ocracoke Campground
- Description: Take an easy beach walk with a ranger and learn about what calls the beach its home.
