Aquatic vegetation appears to form a pleased expression on the water’s surface as viewed from above the Patsy Pond Nature Trail in the Croatan National Forest near Newport. The trails that are accessed from N.C. Highway 24 include lengths from 0.75 to 1.9 miles and are open from dawn to dusk. The small ponds here are fed by groundwater and often surrounded by carnivorous plants such as bladderwort and sundew. Photo: Dylan Ray
recreation
State Parks to ring in new year with First Day Hikes for all
More than 50 ranger-led First Day Hikes of varying degrees of length and difficultly are planned for New Year’s Day across the state, including here on the coast.
Outrigger club completes second leg of coastal NC trek
Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe Club paddlers recently completed a three-day, 125-mile journey from Swansboro to Cape Hatteras in a traditional oceangoing Polynesian canoe to raise awareness of risks to water quality.
Outrigger canoe club to resume advocacy paddle up NC coast
The second leg of the three-year fundraising and clean-water awareness endeavor begins Thursday in Cedar Point and wraps up two days later in Hatteras Village.
Agreement opens up more nature opportunities for campers
New neighbors, the North Carolina Coastal Land Trust and Camp Albemarle, are working together to provide more recreation and environmental education opportunities for children.
Input sought on proposed western Carteret boat launch
Written comments will be accepted until Aug. 26 on the planned public boat launch facility on Bogue Sound in western Carteret County.
State seeks requests for US boating infrastructure grants
The 2024 request for proposals is for a grant program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that reimburses up to 75% of costs for projects to build, renovate or maintain tie-up facilities and related amenities for recreational transient vessels that are at least 26 feet long.
State awards $1.6 million to build, improve trails
Trail projects in Carteret County and Croatan National Forest’s Neusiok Trail have been awarded around $260,000 by North Carolina’s Recreational Trails Program.
Ode to the Salt Marsh: Paddling the waters less traveled
Photojournalist Mark Courtney shares his images, observations and experiences from 25 years of paddling the salt marshes near Wilmington.
Swim advisory issued for near Crowell Street in Oak Island
Officials with the N.C. Recreational Water Quality Program said the stormwater was being pumped to minimize flood damage and to ensure roads are accessible by emergency vehicles.
Low-cost kayak lessons to be offered at state parks May 20
Jockey’s Ridge, Hammocks Beach and Carolina Beach state parks are among the locations hosting the low-cost kayaking instruction.
Hiker follows vision to link Nags Head, Carova via trails
After the pandemic lockdown, a friend’s wedding in Madrid and a new perspective on getting outside, Luke Halton made it his mission to create a new hiking trail on the Outer Banks.
State’s wild turkey season to set for April 1-May 6
Wild turkey hunting season for youth is April 1 to 7, with the statewide season following April 8 to May 6.
State announces millions for park accessibility grants
Four coastal park facilities to receive funding for accessibility projects through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.
Handle boat maintenance now for peace of mind this spring
To make spring a fun and exciting time for boating, do some work now and improve your odds of avoiding big towing and repair bills later.
Spray of color
A rainbow appears in the spray of a breaking wave Jan. 26 off Hatteras Island, near Buxton. West winds blow the spray offshore behind the wave, and the water droplets scatter the sunlight, allowing surfers and onlookers to see the full visible spectrum of color from certain angles.
