Cape Lookout National Seashore’s first Horse Sense and Survival tour for the year is slated for the morning of Saturday, June 21.
Leading the tour is seashore’s Resource Manager Dr. Sue Stuska, who will explain the relationships, behavior and survival of these wild horses on Shackleford Banks.
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“This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness and begin to understand the wild horses,” Cape Lookout Superintendent Jeff West said in a release. “The Shackleford horses are truly a unique aspect of what makes Cape Lookout National Seashore a special place.”
The program is free, but space is limited to 20 participants. Reservations are required and can be made at CALO Wild Horse Reservations. For reservations and to ask questions, call the park at 252-728-2250, ext. 0.
After reserving a spot with the park, reserve a ferry tickets, which are $24 for adults and $17 for ages 3 to 11, at www.islandexpressferryservices.com or by calling 252-728-7433.
Participants will need to gather at the Island Express Ferry Service depot in Beaufort by 8:15 a.m. June 21. The ferry will depart at 8:30 a.m. and head toward the soundside shore of west Shackleford Banks to walk a moderate-level trek off the beaten path to find horses to watch from a distance. The ferry will return around 12:30 p.m.
Seashore staff recommend visitors arrive prepared for a day in the sun, climbing dunes, walking through brush, and navigating in deep sand. Shoes that protect your feet and stay on in the mud are required. Participants should bring water, snacks, bug repellent, sunscreen, sun hat, binoculars, and camera with a telephoto lens in a daypack or shoulder bag.
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Additional tours are scheduled for July 20, Aug. 3 and Sept. 20. October and November programs will be announced. For more information, including meeting places, times, and ferry costs on the tours planned for later this year, see http://go.nps.gov/horsewatch.
