CHNS has highest January-April visitation in history, and more National Seashore updates for the week of May 27
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 27 include the following:
Seashore Updates
- From January through April 2021, the Seashore hosted 588,904 visits. This is the highest level of visitation through the first four months of any year in its history. The Seashore hosted 254,366 visits in April.
- Expanded ranger-led educational programs and activities begin this Saturday. Check out the long list below!
- Lifeguards return to the Seashore’s four lifeguarded beaches this Saturday, May 29. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Coquina Beach Access, Old Lighthouse Beach Access, Frisco Beach Access and Ocracoke Beach Access.
- Tomorrow is the last day to submit site preservation ideas for the Ocracoke Light Station. To learn more and submit ideas, view the civic engagement newsletter. There will be additional opportunities to comment in the coming months.
- 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.
That’s why its been so unpleasant..