National Seashore Updates for the Week of August 8

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 8 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• On August 14 and August 28, explore the historic U.S. Weather Bureau Station in Hatteras with park rangers and learn about the vital role this station played in predicting the weather and safeguarding the residents of the Outer Banks in the early 1900s. Participants will have the chance to practice taking weather readings following the program.
• Cape Hatteras National Seashore will celebrate International Lighthouse and Lightship Weekend on August 17 and August 18. Park staff and members of the Outer Banks Repeater Association will have HAM Radios set up at Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras Lighthouses to communicate over the air-waves with other participating lighthouses and lightships from around the world.
• As of August 8 at 9 a.m., staff have found 443 sea turtle nests across the Seashore. The previous record for a single season was 325 nests. According to SeaTurtle.org, 2,244 sea turtle nests have been found in North Carolina.
• On August 4, a pedestrian corridor was installed along the shoreline south of Ramp 72 on Ocracoke Island. The corridor allows pedestrians to travel all the way to Ocracoke Inlet. Additional ORV access will be provided when possible.
• For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. For field summary, visit: http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary. Mileage and field summaries are updated every Thursday during the shorebird and sea turtle nesting seasons.
• Visitors can sign up for beach safety text messages by texting “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890.

Upcoming Events

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program

• Dates: August 10-August 16, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (daily program)
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
• Description: Learn about the monumental move event that happened in 1999 when the entire light station was moved 2,900 feet away from the threat of a changing shoreline.

Hatteras Island: Shaping the Barrier Islands – Interpretive Program

• Dates: August 10-August 16, 3:30-4:00 p.m. (daily program)
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center pavilion
• Description: Wars, wind, 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 the island.

Fish with a Ranger (Buxton)

• Date: August 12 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
• Location: Buxton
• Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Fish with a Ranger (Rodanthe)

• Date: August 13 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am
• Location: Rodanthe
• Description: We bring the poles, you bring the bait! Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Especially for Kids

• Date: August 13  from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
• Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
• Description: Hands-on games or activities for kids and families all about seashore animals.

Dark Skies Over Hatteras

• Date: August 13 from 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm
• Location: Ramp 43 parking area
• Description: Bring blankets and chairs for this evening of stars and stories on the beach.

Castnetting

• Date: August 14 from 9:30-11:00 am
• Location: Location varies, call to pre-register
• Description: Practice this early method of fishing still used today. Call 252-475-9622 to pre-register beginning the Saturday prior to the program.

Morning Bird Walk

• Date: August 15 from 8:00 am to 9:30 am
• Location: Meet at the fish cleaning tables near Ramp 44
• Description: Meet winged residents and those traveling the Atlantic Flyway. Binoculars are available. Bring bug spray.

Salvo Soundside Activities for Kids

• Date: August 16 from 9:30 am to 10:00 am
• Location: Salvo Sound Access (Day Use Area)
• Description: Meet at Salvo Sound Access for soundside exploration and discovery.
• Ocracoke Island Interpretive

1st Annual Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration

• Date: November 2
• Location: Fessenden Center, Buxton
• Description: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, along with partner organizations, will celebrate the area’s strong surf fishing history at the 1st annual Cape Hatteras Surf Fishing Heritage Celebration. More details about this event will be posted on a special event page and Facebook page.