National Seashore Updates for the Week of May 23

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 23 include the following:

Seashore Updates

• A new beach access and parking area in Buxton will open on Friday, May 24. The Buxton Beach Access, located at the end of Old Lighthouse Road, provides improved public access to oceanside recreational activities.
• On June 22, from 8:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association will host drop-in volunteer beach cleanup efforts.
• The following beaches are staffed with lifeguards from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day: Coquina Beach, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Beach, Frisco Beach (NEW), and Ocracoke Beach.
• All this week, the Seashore is posting daily beach and ocean safety information on its Facebook and Twitter accounts. Taking the time to learn about hazards before you get to the beach will help ensure you create wonderful memories with your families.
• A protection buffer is in place at Cape Point to protect American oystercatcher chicks and nesting least terns and black skimmers. There are multiple piping plover nests and piping plover chicks in the Cape Point area.
  • ORVs and pedestrians can currently travel 0.61 miles south of ORV Ramp 44.
  • There are over 25 miles of oceanside beach routes open for ORV access across the Seashore.
    Staff continue to monitor the Cape Point area. Once nesting activity has concluded, the protection buffer at Cape Point will be removed.
• For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess. The Seashore’s weekly field summary is now located at: http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary.

Upcoming Events

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Interpretive Program

• Dates: May 25-31, 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: May 25-31, 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: May 27 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: May 28 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: May 28 and May 31 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: May 28 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: May 29 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: May 30 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: May 31 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

20th Anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Move – Special Event

• Date: May 3, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (daily through October 14)
• Location: Event tent near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
• Description: The public is invited to a free event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse move. The event will include speeches, a question and answer session, expanded interpretive programming, activities for children, and free lighthouse climbing! See press release for more details.

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.