Outer Banks Lighthouse Misses Out on Restoration Contest
Bodie Island Lighthouse was one of three finalists in a national lighthouse restoration contest that ended September 7. Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors held the contest to determine which lighthouse was most deserving of new windows and doors.
The New Canal Lighthouse in New Orleans was announced as the winner this week.
Bodie Island Lighthouse is in dire need of restoration, and these new windows and doors would have been a welcomed improvement, but unfortunately it will have to wait for next year’s contest. In the meantime, restoration is under progress, but funds are very limited.
Outer Banks Wildlife Festival
12th Annual Wings Over Water Festival
A Celebration of Wildlife & Wild lands in Eastern North Carolina
November 4-9, 2008
Register Now at (252)441-8144 or www.WingsOverWater.org
Travel and nature enthusiasts converge on the Outer Banks to enjoy its beaches, attractions and laid back atmosphere. Most don’t realize that the Outer Banks has much more than sun, sea, and sand to offer. Some of the most underappreciated and unexplored attractions are the Outer Banks’ diversity of wildlife, natural history, and scenic views.
The 12th Annual Wings Over Water Festival highlights these natural attractions. The six day event celebrates the natural wonders of the area and offers many opportunities to explore and discover the richness of the region’s environment.
Dare County alone has more than a quarter of a million acres of property in conservation – as compared to just 16,000 acres available for development. Dare, Currituck, Tyrell and Hyde counties boast a diverse and fascinating array of wildlife to view and waterways to paddle. In addition to a wealth of marine life, Eastern North Carolina is home to black bears, alligators, red wolves, deer and hundreds of species of birds. The waterways invite kayakers and canoeists to glide through the back waters, the sounds and even the ocean. And natural history attractions draw both young and old who want to know more about the place where the first English settlements were born. Year ‘round, there are nature programs offered by state and federal agencies, as well as nonprofits.
Events:
· Venturing into areas with combined bird lists of nearly 400 species.
· Visiting North Pond on the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge on Hatteras Island, the hottest spot for fall birding in North Carolina.
· Traveling to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse area to search for a variety of shore and water birds.
· Experiencing Ghost Town Birding on Portsmouth Island
· Taking a ferry to the pirate Blackbeard’s hang-out on Ocracoke Island to enjoy the quaint fishing village and check out the birds.
· Visiting the ancient maritime forests at Buxton Woods and Nags Head Woods for a look at these rare ecosystems.
· Traveling to Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge where eagles and other raptors are likely the causeway and entrance road.
· Exploring a blackwater swamp in the Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
· Sliding into a kayak or canoe to explore a salt marsh environment.
· Wade in search of Clapper Rails, marsh sparrows and wrens at Oregon Inlet.
· Heading for the blue waters of the Gulf Stream off Cape Hatteras to search for pelagic birds.
· Experiencing a Red Wolf Howling where the nearly extinct animal is now fighting its way back.
North Carolina & the Outer Banks Coastal Hazards Website
Nature is a powerful force that can strike when least expected, or perform unanticipated feats even when the worst is expected. Coastal regions are especially vulnerable. Coastal hazards are exacerbated by the tremendous power of the vast body of water that nestles up to the land.
A new web site developed by coastal experts from East Carolina University (ECU) brings research from ECU’s Institute for Coastal Science and Policy, the departments of Geological Sciences and Geography, and work from scientists across North Carolina together on one user-friendly site. The site is designed to help minimize the impacts of coastal hazards on North Carolina citizens through education and shared ideas and data.
The site is referred to as the North Carolina COastal HAZards Decision Portal (NC COHAZ), and can be found at: http://www.coastal.geology.ecu.edu/NCCOHAZ/.
The site has several mapping tools and has a strong focus on hurricanes, storm surges, shoreline erosion and their potential effects on the North Carolina coast, including economic effects. For instance, some of the mapping tools overlay satellite images of the Outer Banks and demonstrate areas that are at high risk of flooding and erosion from natural events along the coast, and these events have a direct impact on the economics of the area.
Coastal hazards can have major consequences for people who live, work, and recreate in areas along the North Carolina coast. Visit NC COHAZ for updates on North Carolina’s coastal hazards and the impacts they may have on you.
Plans for a New Outer Banks Pier Underway
Jenette’s Pier in Nags Head, NC is moving closer to being rebuilt. North Carolina’s Aquarium Agency will begin taking bids on the pier project this week, and the goal is to have the project completed 16 months after awarding the contract, by May 2010.
The state acquired Jennette’s pier last year, and it was demolished this year in preparation for the new pier project. The original pier was built in 1939, well before advances in construction technology were developed to aid in withstanding potential hurricane damage. The original pier lost approximately 540 feet of length due to Hurricane Isabel in 2003.
The new pier will reach 1,000 feet into the ocean and be designed to withstand 130 mph winds. In addition, the project will incorporate alternative energy technology. Three 100 foot wind turbines are planned along the pier to reduce electrical costs, and a rain collection system and geothermal heating and cooling system are also planned.
The Aquarium Agency intends to promote marine and coastal education and recreational opportunities to the local constituents and vacationers in the area.
Gorgeous Fall Weather on the Outer Banks & Great Surf Near “Nights in Rodanthe” House
Mother Nature offered another beautiful fall day on the Outer Banks. The bright sun brought the temperatures to the mid 60’s matching the water temperature, and a light breeze streamed from the West. Residents and vacationers alike ventured outdoors to take advantage of this great time of year on the Outer Banks. The crowds have dwindled and the weather is ideal.
Fortunate for all occupants of this remote destination, the Outer Banks has an enormous amount of outdoor activities to offer. It was a great day for hunting for treasures on the beach or exercise along the “Beach Road.” The fall brings one of the best times for fishing and surfing on the Outer Banks, and yesterday the fish were biting and the waves were building.
The beaches are practically vacant at this time of year. The shoreline is dotted with fishing enthusiasts hoping for the big catch and sections of the water with prime waves had groups of rubber clad surfers enjoying clean chest to head high waves. A day like this could make your week, your month, or even your year if you are fortunate enough to be here on vacation.
Great vacation rentals are available year round.
Outer Banks Wild Horse Study
The proper size of the wild horse herd on the Outer Banks continues to be a contentious subject.
Currituck County officials, The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge have been debating the size of the herd for years. The three parties agreed on a management plan in 1999 which set the limit of wild horses to 60, but as of September the count is up to 101. The Wild Horse Fund feels the size of the herd needs to be increased to at least 120 to 130 to encourage long-term health. A recent study conducted by a genetics expert indicates that the wild horses have a low genetic diversity stemming from the breeding patterns of a small herd; this low genetic diversity can lead to defects in the future. The National Wildlife Refuge is concerned about the impact the wild horses, especially a larger herd, have on the surrounding environment.
A recent article by Jeff Hampton in the The Virginian-Pilot points out that additional science will soon be added to the debate. “The Corolla Wild Horse Fund plans to commission a study led by North Carolina State University that would examine the effect of the herd on marshes and grasses crucial to waterfowl habitat,” said Karen McCalpin, executive director of the fund. The study would also measure the impact of humans and feral hogs in the area.
2009 Outer Banks Surf Calendar
Local photographer, Matt Lusk, has complied his most prized surf photos from the past year to create his first Outer Banks Surfing Calendar for 2009. Matt is a local surf and photography enthusiast who splits his time at the beach between catching waves on his board and on his camera. Matt is a staff photographer for Surf Carolina Magazine and a frequent contributor to Surfline.com.
This high quality print calendar features photos of some of the region’s most talented surfers along with plenty of empty wave photos and lineups for your mind surfing pleasure. The calendars also include an additional 11×17 poster. Individual prices are $20 and they are worth every penny! Get your hands on one and see for yourself. You can order a calendar at http://MattLuskPhotography.com.
Halloween Activities on the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks offers a wide variety of Halloween activities for the entire family.
· Trunk or Treat: The largest Halloween family event on the Outer Banks. “All your candy in one stop.” Nags Head Church, MP 13. October 31, 2008. 6 – 8 p.m.
· Haunted Albemarle at the Museum of the Albemarle: (Elizabeth City, NC)Come to the Museum of the Albemarle Saturday, October 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and experience the Haunted Albemarle! Come and hear ghost stories and legends of the Albemarle region as told by the costumed Junior Docents. Sit around the campfire, enjoy some popcorn, and be sure to keep an eye out for Blackbeard! This event is free and open to the public!
· Trick or Treat Under the Sea “Spooktacular”: October 30, 2008 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Aquarium. Advanced tickets are still available at $5 per person, ages 2 and under are free for the 6th annual Trick or Treat Under the Sea and may be purchased at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island. Give an underprivileged child a chance to attend this event by purchasing sponsor tickets to the event. Come see Count Sharkula, ghosts, strange aquatic creatures. Crazy costume contests, creepy crafts, etc for all to enjoy. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For information about the event or sponsor tickets, call 252-473-3494 or 800-832-3474 or visit www.ncaquariums.com.
· Black Pelican Haunted House: Haunted House at the Black Pelican Restaurant, Kitty Hawk. October 27 – 31, 5-8:30 pm. Fun for the entire family! (252)261-3171.
· Aqua S Haunted Halloween House: Food and fun! Starting at 4 pm. 1174 Duck Road, Duck. (252)261-9700. Event URL: http://www.aquasrestaurant.com
· Annual Halloween Ball VI: Last performance ever by Biscuits N Grease at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. MP 8.5, Kill Devil Hills. (252)-449-BREW. Event URL: http://www.obbrewing.com
· Halloween at Jurassic Putt: Brings your ghosts and goblins for a safe and spooky night at the park! Wear you costume and get a special Treat or Tick! $10 per person gets you unlimited play 5-10 pm. Milepost 16, Nags Head. (252)599-6409.
· Hallowine: 12 to 8 pm at The Cotton Gin, Jarvisburg. Join us for the official release of the New Coastal Collage Red Wine. Free appetizers, live music 4-8 p[m, trick or treats, barrel painting party for the kids. Dress in costume for special discounts.
Results from the Surf Competition on the Outer Banks
The stars aligned yesterday on the Outer Banks. Wind, swell, and weather were close to perfect, combing to create ideal conditions for the WRV “Battle of the Banks” held in Rodanthe.
It was a gorgeous fall day on the Outer Banks, with sunny conditions bringing the temperature to the low 70’s, and holding the water temperature in the mid 60’s. A strong offshore wind combined with swell leftover from the weekend’s storm to bring chest to head high sets of clean, glassy waves and a lot of “tubes.”
The overall result from the competition was a great day of surfing had by all. Specifically, the Virginia Beach team left victorious, and Nags Head’s Pat McManus ended the day with the overall victory due in large part to his impressive skills in the “tubes” that developed. In addition to the “Best Barrel” awarded by Billabong earlier this month, Jesse Hines scored the best barrel yesterday taking home $500 from Hurley.
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