NAGS HEAD — Many times when they visit the coast and head out for a day on the beach, people ask each other, “How’s the water?” Drop by Jennette’s Pier today to get some answers.

Staff members from the N.C. Coastal Federation are at the pier every Thursday afternoon this summer to help answer questions about water quality and conservation. They’ll have activities you can take part in, artifacts to view and live animals to see in the pier’s tanks. You can test your knowledge on what causes water pollution by playing a fun water drop matching game, and kids can walk away with a Federation temporary tattoo.

Federation staff will explain what factors are putting coastal habitats at risk and they’ll share updates on local restoration projects along the Outer Banks. The free program will help you learn about North Carolina’s waterways and the interesting animals that call our coast home and find out what you can do to help protect them.

Sara Hallas talks to children about what’s in the water.

On most Thursday, you’ll find Sara Hallas at the pier surrounded by bones and shells. “I put out animal artifacts to get people intrigued to stop by and ask questions,” says Hallas, a federation educator. “From sea turtle shells and skulls, to whale vertebrae or a dolphin skull, we relate that the animals need clean water too. It’s fun to hear people try and identify the artifacts.”

Sometimes she brings along a bag of oysters shells and talks about the central role oysters play in the health of our estuaries and about federation projects to restore oyster reefs at nearby Jockey’s Ridge State Park.

“It’s fitting because right next to me in the pier tanks are red and black drum and other species we’ve found while monitoring the reefs at Jockey’s Ridge,” Hallas explains. “So I can explain how special the estuarine habitats are.”

Most people who stop by the table want to know the causes of water pollution, says Hallas. Stormwater, she tells them.

“This gets our conversation going,” she says. “From the youngest visitor to the oldest, I love asking this basic question to everyone and enjoy hearing a variety of creative answers. Usually, no matter what they say I can incorporate into my explanation of stormwater runoff and helping them see the big picture.”

Erin Fleckenstein, a coastal scientist for the federation, notes that runoff polluted with bacteria and sediments is the largest cause of water impairment in the state.  “In order to continue enjoying our waters we need to do what is necessary to keep them clean and healthy,” she says. “By offering outreach programs like this to keep the public informed and engaged, we feel that this can be achieved.”

Tommy Reynolds, a local banker and surfer, says he has felt the effects of stormwater runoff.  “We had just had some storms pass through and I decided to head out for surf,” he says.  “Everything was normal, except how I felt for the next two days.  I had a fever, complete body aches, facial swelling and nausea.  It was like the flu, on steroids.”

All people can do simple things to reduce the flow of polluted runoff, Fleckenstein says. They can pick after their pets and not fertilize before heavy rains.  “Simply installing cisterns and gutters can make a big difference,” she said.  If we can get the rainfall redirected into our yards for absorption, before reaching the sea then we’ve already accomplished something.”

The program will be offered every Thursday, starting at 1 p.m. See the federation’s Events Calendar for more information.

Elevated boardwalks offer stunning views of the ponds between the dunes. Photo: Fran Marler.

NAGS HEAD — Pines, live oaks, sparkleberry and sassafras are just a few of the many plants found amid the buzz of life within Nags Head Woods.

This rich and diverse tract of about 1,100 is home to numerous species of plants, birds and reptiles and was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1974. Here, visitors can gain a unique perspective of nature.

During the 19th century these woods sustained life for an entire village, and today they continue to host many new and old friends alike. Six different trails snake their way through Nags Head Woods Ecological Preserve, through the deciduous forests and around ponds tucked in the dunes.

Managed by the N.C. Nature Conservancy, the preserve is open for everyone, including deer hunters during the season. Ed Mays, a local hunter and president of N.C. Handicapped Sportsmen, found himself faced with a real challenge at the preserve. Negotiating wooded trails in a wheel chair is a daunting task. Parents pushing strollers and people on canes and walkers face similar difficulties.

Driven and determined, Mays set to the task of doing something about it.

For four years, he met with Aaron McCall, the conservancy’s steward at the preserve, to talk about access for disabled bow hunters. Town officials from Kill Devil Hills were drawn in. Several grants followed. Dominion Energy, Dare County Tourism, the Outer Banks Foundation, the Kiwanis Club of the Outer Banks and North Banks Rotary all chipped in to build a trail for the disabled.

“This may have started out to help handicapped sportsmen, now it is much more,” said Mays in the fall 2011 North Carolina Afield newsletter.  “In the future, there is going to be an increased need for accessible trails overall.”

Many residents who had problems walking the preserve’s trail would agree, especially those with small children. Transplanted here from Oregon, Coreen Smith, a mother and avid hiker, was more than pleased with the new trail.

“I was very impressed with the setup of the trail and that the town was able to make this happen,” she said. “It makes me feel great about living here and that creating this was considered a priority.”

Not to mention how much fun her 16-month-old child had.  “My son was able to walk the entire trail, it was the perfect length and he never had to be carried,” she said.

The cement path that marks the start of the trail and makes its way through the preserve, almost glows a stark white against the backdrop of browns and greens the forest has on display. Along the trail there are benches for resting and signs that explain to visitors which animals they may see and what plants are in season. Stunning marsh views can be found as well as fishing from one of the platforms on the interdunal pond.  These brackish waters are home to a variety of creatures, including bass, crappie, spring peepers and ribbon snakes. Visitors are welcome to park at the main lot and then walk down, or have the option of parking right at the trail head.

“We have had such great feedback, especially with families,” says Kate Murray, office manager of Nags Head Woods.  “We have had many folks that use wheelchairs or canes seek us out because of the trails’ accessibility.”

People can enjoy the path but also the view, as there is a cutout on the platform for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to see over the railing.  And this time of year there is plenty to see.

Visitors to Nags Head Woods have the option to hold events, attend night hikes or simply enjoy being outdoors with their family. Thanks to one like-minded local, more people can take advantage of what the Woods have to offer.