Finding Love and Inspiration in Uncertain Times
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Our friend and local photographer,
Jason Cole
, shared these photos of John, who recently surprised his girlfriend Rachel with a proposal in front of the Bodie Island Lighthouse.
In these uncertain times
as we all adjust to the ever changing news surrounding us, it was a delight to be reminded that love also surrounds us
, and that your OBX national parks are places we will continue to make these special memories in the future.
If you need a bit of inspiration today,
we're excited to celebrate Women's History Month
(from home!) by introducing you to 3 amazing women who have made an impact in your OBX national parks.
From
Katharine Wright
, who supported her famous brothers while also forging a path of her own, to Manteo native
Louise Meekins
whose love of history led her to become the first female park ranger in the Outer Banks.
These remarkable women blazed the trail for women like your current Chief of Natural Resources,
Tracy Ziegler
, who shared what inspired her to pursue a career in science, and what she loves most about her job. (hint: they're tiny and have flippers!)
Stay inspired,
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Jessica Green
Community Updates:
- For accurate and up to date information on the impacts of COVID-19 in our community, including cancellations, closings, and visitor access information, please visit Dare County's website here.
- Your OBX national parks announced yesterday that visitor centers in all three parks are temporarily closed.
- If you'd like to support members of our community during these uncertain times, you can learn how through the Outer Banks Community Foundation.
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March is Women’s History Month and we’re highlighting women who have made
-
and continue to make - an impact on your OBX national parks!
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Katharine Wright: Pioneer, Educator, and Activist
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Orville and Wilbur Wright may have taught the world to fly, but
their sister
Katharine
was equally as ambitious and influential
in the lives of her brothers, and in the early years of the women’s rights movement.
Katharine Wright
was born on August 19, 1874, exactly three years to the day after her older brother Orville. She was the youngest of the Wright children and when her mother passed away from tuberculosis, Katharine took over leading the Wright family home.
Throughout her life she continued to be an inspiration to her brothers, but also to the women around her. She went on to graduate from Oberlin College,
making her the only Wright sibling to earn a college degree
, and was one of the few American women to
receive the Legion of Honour Medal from France
. Katharine was also a strong advocate for woman's suffrage,
becoming the director of the Young Women's League of Dayton, OH
.
Read on
to learn more about Katharine's inspirational life.
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Louise Meekins: First Female OBX National Park Ranger
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We often say that the Outer Banks is known for its 'firsts' - first colony, first flight, and first National Seashore.
Louise Meekins, a Manteo native, was also a pioneer of firsts.
Louise was a member of Manteo High School's first graduating class in 1916. She went on to be one of the first women to enlist in the Navy in World War I, and later became the first female park ranger here in your OBX national parks.
In addition to a love of history, Louise's passion for her community can be felt in her quote to the Coastland Times after being awarded the Dare County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award in 1975:
“Everything I’ve done was out of love for my country. There were things that needed to be done. Dare is just what I’m interested in. I was born and reared here…I’ve got lots of things I want to do, you see. I’m interested in the betterment of Dare.”
Read on
to learn more about Louise's fascinating life inspiring those around her through her actions and storytelling.
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Meet Your Ranger: Tracy Ziegler
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Your OBX national park staff have a wide array of jobs - from educating visitors, to maintaining park facilities, to helping us better understand our parks and what they're here to protect.
Tracy Ziegler (on the right) falls into the latter category. Her love of science is only out done by her signature laugh!
We talked to Tracy to find out what it's like to be the Chief of Natural Resources for five (yes, FIVE!) national parks here in eastern North Carolina, why she pursued a job in science, and what she loves most about her work.
"
I grew up in Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay, and from the moment I could talk, I wanted to be a Marine Biologist....
I love the opportunity I’ve had to build a science program here, which I’m in the baby steps of right now. There’s a lot of potential and now I am moving my focus towards incorporating more science happening in the park and even getting our own staff to do science in the field."
We also touched on the fun stuff - like why she ended up on HGTV soon after moving to the Outer Banks ;)
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Photo Credits: National Park Service, Wright-Brothers.org
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Outer Banks Forever is an official partner of the National Park Service and the three national parks of the Outer Banks.
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