NPS Press Release - Oyster Sill Restoration

Great project for our youth! :)

National Park Service News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  DATE:  July 29, 2010
CONTACT: Cyndy Holda, Public Information Officer, 252-473-2111, ext.148

         NPS Youth Conservation Corps Assist with Other Local Land
              Management Agencies on Oyster Sill Restoration

The National Park Service Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew recently participated in valuable work with several local land management entities on a hot and humid July day.  The local youths welcomed the opportunity to perform valuable work in the cool waters of the Roanoke Sound by assisting staff from Jockey Ridge State Park, The Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Coastal Federation and Division of Marine Fisheries with an oyster sill construction project.

The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership (SARP) grant funded restoration project, located on the soundside shoreline of Jockey Ridge State Park, is one of many on-going local efforts to not only restore healthy and productive oyster beds to local waters but also aid in marsh enhancement and shoreline stabilization.  The installation of bagged oyster shells creates a sill and is the second phase of the project.  Later this fall, native marsh grasses will be planted to assist in natural stabilization of the shoreline.

Superintendent Mike Murray stated, “YCC Group Leader Stacey Hodnett has found a way to contribute to a worthwhile local effort as well as infuse that youthful energy and drive into many projects for her crew this summer. The oyster sill restoration project proved to be a productive morning for everyone.  Their work provides a valuable service to the community.”

Since its inception in 1970, the YCC program has become one of the most recognized federal summer work youth programs in the country.  It provides not only employment, but also an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of America’s environmental and historic heritage.
                                   -NPS-

Photo Credit NPS

Cape Point ORV Access Opens

ORV Access Reopens to Cape Point

Superintendent Mike Murray announced today the reopening of the east side of Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore near Buxton, NC to off-road vehicle (ORV) access effective immediately.  The area is now open to ORV traffic from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily.  The night-time prohibition on beach driving is still in effect on all National Seashore beaches from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.

The pre-nesting area west of Cape Point remains in effect and is posted as closed to vehicles, pedestrians and pets.

For up-to-date information on currently open or closed areas, check the Cape Hatteras National Seashore’s Google Earth maps at:
http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/googleearthmap.htm

Full Moon Tour of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

NPS Offers Full Moon Tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse


As a special experience for the visiting public and local communities, the National Park Service will be offering Full Moon Tours of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse the evening of July 26.  Two tours will be given, one at 8:15 p.m. and a second at 9:15 p.m.  Each tour is limited to 30 people.  Tickets must be purchased in advance.  Full Moon Tour ticket sales will start on Saturday July 24, 2010.  The lighthouse ticket booth is open from 8:15 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. daily.  Full Moon Tour tickets are non-refundable.

As there are no lights inside the lighthouse, climbers will navigate the 257 stair staircase using handheld flashlights.  During the climb, park rangers will provide stories of the arduous duties of the lighthouse keeper.  From the watch room, visitors will be able to view the light up close and in motion and hear of the operation of the beacon, past and present - a truly unique experience.  Outside on the lighthouse balcony (weather permitting) climbers will get a glimpse of what the lighthouse keepers of old were able to experience - seeing that beam of light reaching out to sea and the startling reflection of the newly risen moon on the ocean.

Things to know:


1.  Full Moon Tour tickets, limited to the first 60 purchasers, must be purchased in person, in advance, at the lighthouse ticket booth.  Full Moon Tour ticket sales will begin Saturday, July 24.  It is anticipated that tickets will sell out early.  Standard admissions fees apply - $7 for adults, and $3.50 for children (11 and under) as well as seniors (62 and older).  The lighthouse ticket booth, located at the lighthouse site, is open from 8:15 a.m. – 5:40 p.m. daily.


2.  Each participant must bring a handheld flashlight with fresh, serviceable batteries.


3.  All participants are required to be at least 42 inches tall and must climb the steps on their own – they can not be carried!  If unsure, check with the Rangers before purchasing your non-refundable ticket.  Also, keep in mind that some youngsters, although meeting height requirements, may not enjoy the dimly lit, sometimes claustrophobic environment.


4.  Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.


5.  For safety reasons, all participants must climb and descend with the group.  No exceptions.


6.  Know your limitations!  The lighthouse is tall, dark, often hot, humid, and can be a challenge to climb.  There are no internal lights or air conditioning.


7.  All routine lighthouse safety requirements, as well as restrictions as to eating, drinking, gum, etc., apply.  This information will be provided to you when you purchase your ticket.


8.  Tickets are non-refundable.  If the program is cancelled due to weather, the ticket holder may exchange the ticket the following morning, July 27, between the hours of 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. for a replacement ticket useable only on July 27.  This ticket will be for day climbing only.

Hatteras Island Farmer's Market

The 2010 Hatteras Island Farmers Market will run weekly on Tuesdays at Burrus Field in Buxton (Babe Ruth baseball field across from Captain's Table restaurant) from June 29 through August 31 from 9AM to 1PM.

Coastal Harvesters, Inc. is the sponsor of the market. Their purpose as stated on their website is:
Coastal Harvesters, Inc. enhances the quality of life on Hatteras Island by providing local growers, harvesters and artisans an opportunity to sell their goods directly to consumers, to educate consumers about local foods and seasonal eating, to encourage and promote the use of local products, and to strengthen community bonds.

The first Hatteras Island Farmer's Market was held November 24, 2009 in Buxton. The event had a great showing of interest and thankfully persuaded an annual market. 

The  market will feature fresh produce, cured meats, preserves, sea salt, fresh eggs, baked goods and so much more!  Check it out!

Photo Media Release: Archeology Student Partnership Uncover National Seashore Shipwreck Remains

Photo Credit: "NPS Photo"

"Photo Caption:  Students, like Kathryn Lee Cooper, from the Field School of Maritime History and Underwater Research with East Carolina University (ECU), the National Park Service Submerged Cultural Resource Unit, the UNC-Coastal Studies Institute, the NC State Underwater Archeology Unit and NOAA Monitor National Marine Sanctuary have joined efforts to form a working partnership project this summer entitled Shipwrecks of the Graveyard of the Atlantic .   The team of archeologists, with the help of
some interested park visitors, have excavated remains of the three-masted schooner Laura A. Barnes  that wrecked off Nags Head in 1921."

Cyndy M. Holda
Public Affairs Specialist
Cape Hatteras NS/Fort Raleigh NHS/Wright Brothers NM
252-473-2111 ext. 148
252-216-6455 cell
252-473-2595 fax
Email: cyndy_holda@nps.gov

Ruth Wyand is Back!

The talented Ruth Wyand is back after entertaining at the US Embassy in Kuwait.  She will be performing Thursday nights at 8PM June through September at the Barefoot Station's Mini Theater which is located at the traffic light next to Village Grocery in Avon.. 

Her tour is 'Journey Down an American Music Highway'.  It is a live concert and video covering 150 years of American musicians and songwriters of all genres from the Civil War to the present.  Steven Foster, Bessie Smith, Patsy Cline Hank Williams, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix plus many more.

It for sure is a MUST see show!!

For more information call 252-995-7011. Photo courtesy of www.ruthwyand.com.

Happy Flag Day!

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