Flowering Friday - The Dune Prickly-Pear is a native coastal cactus that grows on dunes and in maritime grasslands. The bright yellow flowers are seen from April to June. This species is a trailing or mat-forming plant with long spines on the pads.

Weather alert! for Memorial Day weekend. Hate to say this but a coastal low is expected to bring adverse weather to our area over the Memorial Day weekend. Monitor the weather forecast in the lead up to the weekend for any changes (good or bad).

Weather and passenger ferry update: The passenger ferries sailing for Shackleford Banks and the lighthouse area will not run Thursday (May 25), Friday (May 26) and most likely Saturday (May 27) due to excessive winds (gale warning - winds 39 mph and above).

It's orchid time! Keep your eyes open for the little delicate white flowers of the spring ladies' tresses orchid growing in moist dune swales, maritime grasslands and even along grassy roadsides. This is a native terrestrial orchid for the coast.

Wildlife Wednesday -- This Osprey didn’t get the memo regarding the flounder fishing moratorium this year! A lucky shot of an osprey carrying a large flounder in its talons as it flies across the sky. The photographer said it looked like it was carrying a dinner plate!

Meanwhile on the east end of Shackleford Banks -- The afternoon commute from a marsh island offshore back to the main island of Shackleford Banks. The Shackleford Banks horses will often wade or swim through the water between the islands.

Today is World Sea Turtle Day -- Let's shellabrate! Four different sea turtle species nest on the beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore from May through October. Currently, there are 72 nests within the park, mostly laid by Loggerhead Sea Turtles.

Just your Average Day on Shackleford Banks -- Once this morning's rain cleared out, everyone was able to enjoy this sunny day in the park. And it's not just a sunny day, Happy Summer Solstice, everyone!

Marsh Periwinkle snails (Littoraria irrorata) have climbed up the marsh grass to avoid predators during high tide. They descend at low tide to feed on algae and detritus found on the marsh mud. Have you seen them in the salt marsh perched high on the grass at high tide?

Change in Beaufort Visitor Information Center operational hours: temporary closure of visitor center for Friday, August 18, 2023 through Sunday, August 20, 2023 for building upgrades. Restroom facilities inside the building will be closed during this time.

Reminder -- The Beaufort Visitor Information Center will be closed this coming weekend, Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, for building upgrades. The restrooms inside the building will also be closed during this time.

Island Express Ferry Service from Beaufort to Shackleford and Harkers Island to Cape Lookout is suspended for Wednesday August 30th and Thursday August 31st due to the impending weather conditions. Contact the ferry directly for more information.

The Great Island Cabins will be closed Wednesday 8/30 and Thursday 8/31 due to the incoming storm conditions. We are warning folks with Friday night reservations that the cabins might also have to be closed if the storm is delayed or is larger than predicted.

We remain hopeful that Congress will act to fund the government. Should there be a funding lapse, access and visitor services would be available on Sunday, Oct. 1. Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, all national parks would close, and visitors should expect services to be unavailable.

Moment of Zen Image description: Rainbow over the ocean from South Core Banks on 10/06/2023 Image credit: NPS photo

Storm Watch 8/5/2024: Hurricane Debby is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding and dangerous rip currents. Hurricanes and tropical storm conditions can change quickly. Please seek the most up-to-date information from the National Weather Service.

5pm EDT Sep 15th -- Here are the initial key messages for Potential Tropical Cyclone #Eight. Tropical Storm Warnings have been issued for the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina where tropical storm conditions are expect to begin tonight. hurricanes.gov/#Eight

Tropical Cyclone briefing for September 16, 2024 to September 18, 2024

Harkers Island Boil Water Advisory 10/7/2024 Total coliform bacteria were detected in water samples collected from the water system serving the Harkers Island Sanitary District (HISD). Customers are advised to boil all water used for human consumption or use bottled water.

Planning on driving your vehicle at Cape Lookout National Seashore this year? Don't drive to Shark Island. Located near the Point of Cape Lookout, a narrow bar of sand has started to connect. This area, also known as Shark Island, is outside of Cape Lookout's jurisdiction.