National Seashore Updates for the Week of May 20
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 20 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Avon Pier is set to open at 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 26.
- Come visit Seashore staff at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet open house this Saturday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The station is located next to the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.
- On Saturday, June 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Seashore will host drop-in volunteer beach cleanups at Coquina Beach Access on Bodie Island and the Old Lighthouse Beach Access on Hatteras Island. View additional details in the special events section below.
- The deadline to submit site preservation ideas for the Ocracoke Light Station is May 28. To learn more and submit ideas, view the civic engagement newsletter.
- 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: 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 Interpretive Programs/Activities
Shaping these Barrier Islands
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 11-11:30 a.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 these islands.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse – Lighting the way for almost 150 years
- Dates: Monday-Friday from 2-2:30 p.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.
Hatteras Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Lighting the way for over 150 years
- Dates: Monday-Sunday (Daily) from 11-11:30 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.
Ocracoke Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
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.
