The North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort plans to resume this month its outdoor field programs.
The museum offers each year during the warmer months three field programs: “Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks,” “Exploring Coastal Habitats on the Rachel Carson Reserve,” and “Kayak the Salt Marsh.”
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“We designed these programs to help the community explore our rich environment, history and culture while also learning about the diverse habitats found here,” Education Curator Courtney Felton said in a statement.
The first two programs take participants to local barrier islands and through the various habitats found just off our mainland.
“Exploring Coastal Habitats on the Rachel Carson Reserve” is set to resume for the year 8:30 a.m. to noon March 11. Participants will be guided on a walking tour through maritime forest, salt marsh and sound-side habitats while learning about the plants and animals that make the estuarine system unique. Additional dates for this program are April 23, May 26, June 24, Sept. 8 and Oct. 6. Cost for each program is $25, which includes transportation by local ferry to the islands.
“Hiking and History on Shackleford Banks” is scheduled to resume for the year 8:30 a.m. to noon March 25. The guided hike combines natural history with stories of the people who once called the island home, offering insight into maritime lifeways, shipwrecks and the wild horses that roam the island today. Additional dates for this program are May 12, June 9, Aug. 19, Sept. 22 and Oct. 20. Cost is $35, including ferry transport.
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“The Rachel Carson program is perfect for those interested in coastal ecology,” Felton said. “And the Shackleford tour is perfect for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.”
“Kayak the Salt Marsh” is a guided 1.5-mile paddle in one of the museum’s sit-in kayaks that will resume 9 a.m. to noon April 2. The tour winds through Gallants Channel’s marshes, focusing on the plants and wildlife that can be found within. Additional dates for this program are May 5, June 3, Aug. 13 and Sept. 1 and 30. Cost is $35, or $30 with your own kayak.
“Some kayak experience is helpful,” Felton said. “However, we provide basic kayak instruction on shore and work with the tides to keep the program accessible to all skill levels.”
A special “Science and Exploration on the Rachel Carson Reserve” program is to take place April 27 as part of the NC Science Festival. During the monthlong effort April 1-30, sites and organizations offer science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM, programming to spread science education.
The hike will be guided by a museum educator and the Central Sites manager from the N.C. Coastal Reserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve. They will additionally highlight how the reserve’s ecosystems are managed for research, education, and long-term stewardship. Participants will also learn how they can support the reserve through citizen science efforts. Cost is $25, which includes transportation by local ferry to the islands.
“These field programs provide an opportunity for visitors to experience the coast in a deeper way,” Felton said. “We hope participants leave with a greater appreciation for our natural resources and a sense of stewardship for these special places.”
All of the museum field programs are recommended for ages 12 and up, with adult supervision required for those under age 18. Members of the Friends of the Maritime Museum, which sponsors the programs, receive a 10% discount. Advance registration is required.
To register or for more information, visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com or call 252-504-7758.
