Expanded educational programs begin this weekend, 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:

• Robin Snyder was recently selected as the new deputy superintendent for Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial. She will arrive on the Outer Banks in early July.
• An expanded schedule of educational programs begins tomorrow at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial. See the updated schedule in the events section of this newsletter. Additional updates to the schedule will be made in early July.
• The 2022 season of The Lost Colony opens this evening at Fort Raleigh National Historic Site’s Waterside Theatre.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore invites public input through June 22 on two separate projects at and near the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. A public meeting to discuss both projects is scheduled for 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 2 at the Fessenden Center Annex, 47013 Buxton Back Rd, Buxton, N.C. The public meeting will start with a presentation by Superintendent David Hallac and conclude with an opportunity to provide feedback and ask questions. [News Release]
• A renovation project in the Ocracoke Island Discovery Center restroom facility is complete.
• Over the next few months, the parking lot near off-road vehicle ramp 38 will experience temporary closures as beach nourishment activities occur in the area. For beach nourishment updates, visit Dare County’s website at www.morebeachtolove.com.
• 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.

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 from 11-11:30 a.m. (June 1-June 30)
• 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-June 30)
• 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 from 9-10:30 a.m. (June 2-June 30)
• 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 from 11-11:30 a.m. (May 28-July 4)
• 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 from 2:30-3 p.m. (May 28-July 4)
• 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.

Totally turtles

• Dates: Monday-Friday from 12-12:30 p.m. (May 30-July 4)
• 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 from 8:30-10 a.m. (June 1-June 29)
• 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.

History at the Weather Station

• Dates: Thursday from 2:30-3 p.m. (June 2-June 30)
• 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 from 9:30-10:15 p.m. (May 31-June 28)
• 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-July 4)

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs

Lighting the way for nearly 200 years – Ocracoke Lighthouse

• Dates: Monday-Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. (May 30-July 4)
• 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 from 2:30-3 p.m. (May 30-July 4)
• 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, Thursday from 9:30-10 a.m. (June 6-July 4)
• 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.

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Educational Program

Lost Colony walking tour

• Dates: Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (May 28-July 4)
• Location: Meet outside the Lindsay Warren Visitor Center
• Description: Delve into the history and mystery surrounding England’s first attempt to establish a colony in the new world.