Deserted for 45 years, Portsmouth Island just south of Ocracoke is remembered by the families of the last residents. Decedents gather twice a year to recall life in the village in the beautifully preserved building the National Park Service maintains, and if you’ve never been to Portsmouth, it’s an ideal time to go. Homecoming will… Continue reading homecoming brings life to portsmouth island
Tag: National Park Service
thumbs up from NPS on bonner bridge replacement
The reality of a replacement for the aging Bonner Bridge becomes more certain every day. As reported in the Outer Banks Voice, the National Park Service signing off on the a Record of Decision for the new bridge, may not seem significant, but it is an important step nonetheless. “Another small step in the long… Continue reading thumbs up from NPS on bonner bridge replacement
a good year for ocracoke sea turtles
It may be part of the life cycle of the species or various other reasons, but it’s been a great year for sea turtles on the OBX, with more active sea turtle nests on Ocracoke this year than there has been in quite some time. This article from Ruth Fordon writing for the Ocracoke Observer has some great information about… Continue reading a good year for ocracoke sea turtles
meet the newest ocracoke pony!
The Ocracoke ponies have a long and colorful history on the island, documented since the 1730’s. The ponies worked with the islanders, pulling carts and making beach patrols. They played too, roaming free when they weren’t running races or toting Boy Scouts around: in the 50’s the Ocracoke Scouts were the only mounted troop in the nation!… Continue reading meet the newest ocracoke pony!
bodie island burn coming up soon
If you’ve been on the OBX in the early spring, you’ve probably seen or smelled the smoke and wondered what was heck burning down south. Occasionally the National Park Service burns sections of Bodie Island as part of their fire management program. The Ocracoke Observer shared this NPS news release from January 27, 2015, that gives us… Continue reading bodie island burn coming up soon
storm cleanup begins on the obx
Another coastal storm has passed, and now the cleanup begins. The Nor’easter that finally lifted out of the Outer Banks has left it’s mark; ocean overwash, debris filled roads, and sand covering the streets that border the sea. Back hoes and road graders are traveling along the north end of the Beach Road in Kitty… Continue reading storm cleanup begins on the obx
obx faces new round of ocean overwash
Under the heading of “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry” exhibit A has to be the latest ocean overwash at the S curves just north of Rodanthe. In September of this year NCDOT working with the US Army Corps of Engineers completed nourishing a two mile stretch of beach to… Continue reading obx faces new round of ocean overwash
15th anniversary for hatteras lighthouse move
Today marks the 15th anniversary of the relighting of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse after its historic 1999 move to save it from the sea. This article on the National Park Service website gives an excellent accounting of how it was accomplished and what was involved. “In 1999, the Cape Hatteras Light Station, which consists of… Continue reading 15th anniversary for hatteras lighthouse move
cape point reopens in time for labor day weekend
Good news! The National Park Service has just reopened Cape Point on Hatteras Island as reported in the Raleigh News & Observer. Closed to ORV traffic to protect nesting piping plover during the spring and summer, there is still an active turtle nest in the area that beach goers must avoid. “CAPE HATTERAS — Just in time… Continue reading cape point reopens in time for labor day weekend
turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?
Eric Kaplan, founder of the Hatteras Island Ocean Center (the newest environmental center on the Outer Banks), knew turtle nesting behavior had a significant impact on beach driving. As Jeff Hampton reports for the Virginian Pilot, the solution for learning about what’s really happening in the nest may as simple as common household items and an innovative… Continue reading turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?