One of my favorite things to do in OBX is watch the sunrise over the ocean. That moment when the sun peeks over the horizon is magical any time of the year 😊 This month we are excited to officially announce the new projects and programs you can help make possible in your OBX national parks – including one that will bring that ocean sunrise right into your home any day of the year. Since you’re a part of our OBX Forever community, you’re getting to see this list before we announce it to the public later this week. Check out the project list here. These projects are only possible with your help! Whether you can give $10, $100, or want to become a Forever Founder , your gift today will make an impact in your parks. Together, we can continue to protect, enhance, and find new ways to experience these special places. I’d love to hear what you’re excited about this summer and answer any questions about our projects. Feel free to reply now with your thoughts and questions or click here to schedule a quick chat with me. Sincerely,

Jessica Green Director, Outer Banks Forever  Community Updates: Cape Hatteras National Seashore reports highest number of June visitors in 18 years. Check out the press release here. What's open in your parks today? Park staff have created the following guides to help you know what's open in your OBX national parks: Cape Hatteras National Seashore Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Wright Brothers National Memorial Social distancing doesn’t stop when you hit the sand. Click here for updates and local guidelines to stay healthy on your OBX vacation.

The Origins of Kite Boarding in OBX

Drive down NC12 on most summer days and you’re likely to see a kite boarder off in the distance catching air. July is 'Sporting in Parks' month at your OBX national parks and w ater sports have become one of the main attractions at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. OBX is known as a kite boarding mecca around the world, but it wasn’t always that way. We'd like you to meet Trip Forman , co-owner of REAL Watersports , Outer Banks Forever Advisory Board member, and all-around water sports enthusiast. We sat down with Trip to hear about those first few rides back in the 90s, and how he grew REAL Watersports from his garage to a 21,000 square foot water sports complex. Read on to learn how Trip and his friends brought kite boarding to OBX and helped turned Cape Hatteras National Seashore into the premier water sports destination it is today. Once you meet Trip and his team at REAL, you can see how they live their motto to "make a new rider everyday."

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Get on the Sand with the NC Beach Buggy Association

Driving on the beach is a highlight of most OBX trips and a truly unique way to experience your park. This month’s National Park Service theme celebrates all the ways we enjoy sporting in our parks so we invited our friend and partner Al Adam, Vice President of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association to share how their members #RecreateResponsibly and enjoy a variety of sporting activities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From surf fishing to surfing, shelling to kite flying, there are many ways to enjoy our beaches and one of our favorite ways to reach those special “secret” spots is by driving on the beach. Remember: You must have a permit to drive on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore (available at www.recreation.gov , search for Cape Hatteras ORV) and always air down your tires!

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Project Spotlight: Views From Your Parks We are thrilled to be partnering with the Outer Banks Visitor’s Bureau and Surfline , to bring the amazing views from your OBX national parks right into your home. When you give today , you can help us install webcams this summer on the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Waterside Theater at Fort Raleigh, and Wright Brothers Memorial. These webcams will not only allow you to take in the breathtaking sunrise and sunset views any day, they will create a new way to experience your parks if you are unable to visit or physically access to these iconic sites. Learn more about our currect projects here , and if you're able please consider a gift of $10 or more today to help your parks become more accessible and resilient now, and for future generations. Donate Now

Photo Credits: National Park Service

Outer Banks Forever is an official partner of the National Park Service and the three national parks of the Outer Banks. Learn more at www.obxforever.org

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