Cape Chronicle
April 22, 2021 | Issue 70
Photos of the Week
The NPS App is the new official app for the National Park Service with tools to explore more than 400 national parks nationwide. Find maps, audio tours, park calendars and much more to plan your trip to Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The free app is available for iOS and Android devices.
Screenshot showing a portion of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore section within the NPS app.
Seashore Updates
  • Recap of 2021 visitation to Cape Hatteras National Seashore:
  • January: 86,991 visits. Broke record for highest level of January visitation.
  • February: 78,269 visits. Broke record for highest level of February visitation.
  • March: 169,278 visits. 2nd-highest level of March visitation.
  • A virtual tour is now available that allows visitors both onsite and across the world to virtually experience a climb of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and explore multiple 360-degree views from the lighthouse. The tour also features historic images and educational information. View the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse virtual tour at www.nps.gov/hdp/exhibits/caha/tour.
  • In partnership with Outer Banks Forever, a webcam was recently placed on the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, allowing visitors to check out the view from the top of the lighthouse and observe weather and beach conditions. View the webcam at www.obxforever.org/obx-national-park-webcams.
  • The status of climbing operations at the Bodie Island Lighthouse will be announced in the next two weeks. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will not be open for climbing until at least late this summer due to an interior paint removal project.
  • The shorebird nesting season has started. For updated nest totals, visit http://go.nps.gov/fieldsummary.
  • For current beach access information and the weekly mileage summary, go to http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess.
  • Before you visit the beach, go to www.weather.gov/beach/mhx to view the daily rip current risk level and beach conditions forecast. Visitors can sign up to receive Outer Banks beach safety text messages by texting "OBXBeachConditions" to 77295.
  • On April 20, Wright Brothers National Memorial became the first recreational public lands site to test a self-driving vehicle. Learn more about the autonomous passenger shuttle at go.nps.gov/CASSI.
Upcoming Seashore Events

Bodie Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: April 26-30 from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet on back patio of the Double Keepers' Quarters
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 this islands.

The Bodie Island Lighthouse - Lighting the way for almost 150 years
  • Dates: April 26-30 from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet on the back patio of the Double Keepers' Quarters
  • Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel.

Hatteras Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - Lighting the way for over 150 years
  • Dates: April 26-May 2 from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
  • Description: A park ranger will discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and provide information about current restoration efforts.

Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: April 26-May 2 from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 these islands.

Ocracoke Island Interpretive Programs/Activities
Ocracoke Island
  • Dates: April 26-30 from 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Location: Meet outside visitor center
  • Description: Learn about the location and legacy of Ocracoke Island. From serving as an early port village and primary point of entry to North Carolina to Blackbeard's final battle, Ocracoke Island possesses a unique heritage resulting from its continued remote setting.

Shaping these Barrier Islands
  • Dates: April 26-30 from 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet outside visitor center
  • Description: Wars, hurricanes, winds 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 these islands.

Upcoming Events at Fort Raleigh NHS & Wright Brothers NMEM

Fort Raleigh NHS Interpretive Programs/Activities
The Lost Colony - Walking Tour
  • Dates: April 26-May 2 from 11-11:30 a.m. and 1-1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet in the plaza outside the visitor center
  • Description: Delve into the history and mystery surrounding England's first attempt to establish a colony in the new world.

Wright Brothers NMEM Interpretive Programs/Activities
Wind and Sand
  • Dates: April 26-May 2 from 11-11:30 a.m. and 2-2:30 p.m.
  • Location: Meet on the back patio of the visitor center
  • Description: Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the Wright brothers' first powered flights.

Additional programs and activities will be added throughout the summer. Check out the park calendar on the NPS mobile app for updates.

Inclement weather may impact interpretive programming.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Cape Chronicle e-Newsletter provides brief, timely, and newsworthy content throughout the year. For more information about America's first national seashore, visit www.nps.gov/caha.

The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.