Expanded ranger-led educational programs begin Memorial Day Weekend at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

An expanded schedule of ranger-led educational programs begins Memorial Day Weekend at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site.

The additional programs run from Memorial Day through much of the summer, and there is no cost to attend any of the ranger-led programs.

The schedule of weekly programs is listed below and is also available at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s website.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Bodie Island Lighthouse Daily Climbing

Dates: Daily. 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 the intended climb. Tickets are available to purchase daily, starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Evening Climbing

• Dates: Every Tuesday evening between May 28 and August 27.
• Times: 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
• Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of the intended climb. Like daily climbing tickets, the evening climbing tickets are available to purchase starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Full Moon Climbing

• Dates and Times:
  • Thursday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Friday, June 21 at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, July 21 at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
  • Monday, August 19 at 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, September 17 at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
• Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of the intended climb. Like daily and evening climbing tickets, the full moon climbing tickets are available to purchase starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Educational Programs

• Lighting the Way for Over 150 Years – Bodie Island Lighthouse Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m. (from May 25-September 2)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the Keeper’s Quarters
• Details: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Life on a Barrier Island 

• Dates: Daily from 2:30-3 p.m. (from May 25-September 2)
• Location: Meet on the back porch of the Keeper’s Quarters
• Details: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.

Crabbing with a Ranger  

• Dates: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. (from May  27-August 30)
• Details: Ever wanted to try your hand at catching blue crabs? We bring the gear, you bring the bait. Call 252-475-9501 to pre-register beginning the  Saturday prior to the program. Note: there is a three-tenths-of-a-mile walk to get from the meeting location to the program location.

Dark Skies Over Bodie Island 

• Dates: Every Sunday from 9-9:45 p.m. (from May 26-September 1)
• Location: Park in the Bodie Island Lighthouse parking lot
• Details: Join park rangers under the night sky on the grounds of the Bodie  Island Lighthouse and discover what makes Cape Hatteras National Seashore such a special place.

Hatteras Island Educational Programs

Reflect on the Past, Preserve for the Future – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse  Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m. (from May 25-September 2)

• Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Details: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and learn about current restoration efforts.

Totally Turtles  

• Dates: Daily from 12-12:30 p.m. (From May 25-September 2)
• Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Details: Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for all ages.

Life on a Barrier Island 

• Dates: Daily from 2:30-3 p.m. (from May 25-September 2)
• Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Details: Wars, hurricanes, winds, and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.

Kayak with a Ranger  

• Dates: Every Monday and Thursday from 8:30-10:30 a.m. (from May 27- August 29)
• Details: Join a ranger to explore salt marshes and surrounding waters of the
• Pamlico Sound on this easy kayak paddle. Minimum age is 7. All equipment is provided. Registration is required. Call 252-475-9603 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Soundside Explorers 

• Dates: Every Tuesday from 9:30-11 a.m. (from May 28-August 27)
• Details: Join a ranger for this activity-based exploration of the Pamlico Sound.  Registration is required. Call 252-475-9603 to pre-register beginning the  Saturday prior to the program.

Surf Fishing with a Ranger 

• Dates: Every Wednesday from 8:30-10 a.m. (from May 29-August 28)
• Details: Ever wanted to try your hand at surf fishing? We bring the poles, you bring the bait. Call 252-475-9603 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Beach Bird Walk 

• Dates: Every Thursday from 8-9 a.m. (from May 30-August 29)
• Location: Meet at the lifeguard beach parking lot adjacent to Old Lighthouse  Beach
• Details: An introduction to the shorebirds of Hatteras Island. Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available.

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs

Celebrating 200 Years of Service – Ocracoke Lighthouse  

• Dates: Monday-Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. (from May 27-August 29)
• Location: Meet on the boardwalk of the Ocracoke Lighthouse
• Details: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and the keepers that kept the light burning.

Bird Walk  

• Dates: Every Tuesday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. (from May 28-August 27)
• Location: Meet at the beach access parking lot adjacent to the Ocracoke  Campground.
• Details: An introduction to the birds of Ocracoke Island. Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available.

Banker Ponies 

• Dates: Every Monday and Wednesday from 9:30-10 a.m. (from May 27- August 28)
• Location: Meet outside of the Pony Pasture
• Details: Come meet the ponies who once roamed as a wild herd and learn about their living history on Ocracoke Island.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

Monday-Thursday, the base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is open from 10 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4 p.m.