Stories persist that she comes out at night and runs around the cemetery, her own haunted playground, where gifts left at her grave sometimes mysteriously move around to different locations.
Claude Crews leaves a lasting impression on those he meets
Claude Crews, the longtime Hammocks Beach State Park superintendent, ushered in a new era for state parks and served as a role model for many, including our Sam Bland, who is back with Coastal Review to pay homage.
Sam’s Field Notes: Catch a wave … in Wyoming?
Having spent years surfing the North Carolina coast, Sam Bland was in for a surprise when he happened upon a group of surfers on the Snake River in Wyoming.
After Travels West, NC’s Coast Beckons
Columnist, nature photographer and retired state park superintendent Sam Bland is back from a cross-country adventure, guided home by familiar coastal beacons.
A View of Climate Change From 14,000 Feet
Our Sam Bland, a coastal creature who has recently been exploring Colorado, compares the effects of global climate change as seen from both sea level and far above.
Antarctic Melting and Sharks in the Collards
Our Sam Bland ponders the vulnerability of the North Carolina coast to sea level rise and new research that indicates melting Antarctic ice could exacerbate the problem.
Sunset Scene at The Point
The sunset casts a golden glow over the beach earlier this week at the Point, the westernmost tip of Emerald Isle on Bogue Banks in Carteret County. Photo: Sam Bland
Sam’s Field Notes: Wolves, Blood and Lunacy
Columnist Sam Bland notes that when the moon rises Sunday, there will be drama, blood and magic, together known as a full super wolf blood lunar eclipse moon.
Christmas Bird Count A Holiday Tradition
The 12 days of Christmas could be the perfect time to take part in a holiday tradition that goes back 119 years, the Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count.
Sam’s Field Notes: Wildlife Festivals Ahead
Celebrate North Carolina’s wildlife during Swan Days Festival at Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge and Wings Over Water Wildlife Festival encore, both the second weekend in December.
Bogue Sunset
A gliding shorebird is cast in silhouette as the sun sets over Bogue Inlet and Bear Island. Photo: Sam Bland
Hunkered Down
Mature and immature blue herons hunker down during the deluge of Hurricane Florence. Photo: Sam Bland
Sam’s Field Notes: Interpreting Coastal Plants
A plant identification book, “Seacoast Plants of the Carolinas,” that was fundamental to our Sam Bland’s work as a park ranger on the coast has been updated and doesn’t disappoint.
Sam’s Field Notes: Hurricane Florence
An Emerald Isle resident, our Sam Bland weathered Hurricane Florence, which brought destruction to the community but also brought out the best of those who call it home.
Sam’s Field Notes: Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles
The rarest, smallest of sea turtles, the Kemp’s ridley has also long been one of the most mysterious, but turtle watchers recently assisted as hatchlings emerged from a rare nest in Emerald Isle.
Storm Moves In
Thunderstorm clouds roll in Sunday over Emerald Isle in Carteret County. Photo: Sam Bland
