South Point on Ocracoke reopens, and more National Seashore updates for the week of Aug. 25

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 August 25 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• On Aug. 23, the National Park Service approved a plan to rehabilitate Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Ocracoke Light Station.
• South Point, Cape Point, and South Beach have reopened after hosting a variety of nesting shorebirds this summer. Beach access updates are listed at go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Fort Raleigh) is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service and the Town of Manteo to host the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. On Nov. 13, the 78-foot-tall Red Spruce tree from Pisgah National Forest (N.C.) will be available to view during a community event from 3-5 p.m. in Fort Raleigh’s large parking lot. Beginning Nov. 5, the tree’s journey to the lawn of the U.S. Capitol can be tracked in real-time online at capitoltreetracker.com. More details to be announced in the coming weeks.
• Text OBXBeachConditions to 77295 to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts. Learn about beach and ocean safety at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

Upcoming Events

Bodie Island Lighthouse Climbing

• Dates: Wednesday-Saturday through early fall 2022. First climb at 9 a.m. and final climb at 5:40 p.m.
• Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Tickets are on sale Wednesday-Saturday starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Educational Programs

Lighting the Way for 150 years – Bodie Island Lighthouse

• Dates: Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. (June 1-Sept. 1)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the keeper’s quarters.
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Shaping These Barrier Islands

• Dates: Wednesday and Thursday from 2:30-3p.m. (June 1-Sept. 1)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the keeper’s quarters.
• Description: Wars, 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 these islands.

Crabbing with a Ranger

• Dates: Thursday at 9 a.m. (June 2-Sept. 1)
• Description: Ever wanted to try your hand at catching blue crabs? We bring the gear, you bring the bait. Call 252-564-4068, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Hatteras Island Educational Programs

Lighting the Way for Over 150 years – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

• Dates: Daily at 11 a.m. (May 28-Sept. 5)
• Location: Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and learn about current restoration efforts.

Shaping These Barrier Islands

• Dates: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (May 28-Sept. 5)
• Location: Meet at Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Wars, 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 these islands.

Kayak with a Ranger

• Dates: Monday and Friday at 8:30 a.m. (July 25-Sept. 5)
• Description: Join a ranger to explore the salt marshes and surrounding waters of the Pamlico Sound on this easy kayak paddle. Minimum age is seven-years-old. All equipment is provided. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Totally turtles

• Dates: Monday-Friday at 12 p.m. (May 30-Sept. 2)
• Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for all ages.

Surf Fish with a Ranger

• Dates: Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. (June 1-Aug. 31)
• Description: Ever wanted to try your hand at surf fishing? We bring the poles, you bring the bait. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Soundside Explorers (Kids Program)

• Dates: Thursday at 9:30 a.m. (July 7-Sept. 1)
• Description: Join a ranger for this activity-based exploration of the Pamlico Sound. Registration is required. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Ocracoke Passenger Ferry Program

• Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. (July 5-Sept. 30)
• Description: Receive an overview of Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Ocracoke Island during your passenger ferry ride from Hatteras to Ocracoke islands.

History at the Weather Station

• Dates: Thursday at 2:30 p.m. (June 2-Sept. 1)
• Location: Meet at the U.S. Weather Bureau Station in Hatteras
• Description: Come explore the historic U.S. Weather Bureau Station and hear amazing stories that intertwine with our own lives and major historic events.

Dark Skies Over Hatteras

• Dates: Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. (May 31-Aug. 30)
• Location: Meet at off-road vehicle ramp 43 parking lot
• Description: Bring blankets and chairs for an evening of stars and stories on the beach.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

• The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is open for viewing daily from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. (May 28-Sept. 5)
• The Ocracoke Island Discovery Center is open daily from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m. (May 28-Sept. 5)

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs

Lighting the Way for Nearly 200 years – Ocracoke Lighthouse

• Dates: Monday-Thursday at 11 a.m. (May 30-Sept. 1)
• Location: Meet on the grounds of the Ocracoke Lighthouse
• Description: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Shaping These Barrier Islands

• Dates: Monday-Thursday at 2:30 p.m. (May 30-Sept. 1)
• Location: Meet outside the Ocracoke Island Discovery Center
• Description: Wars, 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 these islands.

Banker Ponies

• Dates: Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 9:30 a.m. (June 6-Sept. 2)
• Location: Meet outside of the pony pen
• Description: Come meet the ponies who once roamed as a wild herd and learn about their living history on Ocracoke Island.

Bird Walk

• Dates: July 5, July 19, Aug. 12, Aug. 16 and Aug. 30 at 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Meet outside beach access parking lot adjacent to Ocracoke Campground
• Description: An introduction to the birds of Ocracoke. Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available.