BEGINNER BIRDING ON THE SOUND – The Roanoke Sound is a great place to explore and discover the birds of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Join a ranger for a morning walk along the sound to see the park’s feathered friends in their natural habitat. Note: While not strenuous, this hike may tire very young children or the elderly. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Pre-registration required.
Length of Program: Approx. 1 Hr.
Ages: Adults and Older children

BIRD HIKE
Jockey’s Ridge is a great place to explore and discover the birds of the Outer Banks. Join a ranger for a morning walk along the Mountains to Sea Trail section at Jockey’s Ridge State Park to see the our feathered friends in their natural habitat. Note: Please bring binoculars for better enjoyment.
Length of program: Approx. 45 mins. Ages: Adults and older children. Meets at the Visitor Center.

BLACKBEARD’S TREASURE HUNT
Legend has it that the feared pirate Blackbeard hid some of his ill-gotten treasure under the shifting sands of Jockey’s Ridge and was never able to recover it. We probably won’t have any luck recovering the real treasure, but participants will learn the basics of using a map and compass in this fun and interesting program. Note: Very young children may have trouble understanding some of the concepts presented in this program. Pre-registration required.
Length of Program: Approx. 45 mins.
Ages: Adults and Older children.

CRABBY CLINIC
Want to learn how to catch crabs? Attend this informative program and find out. A ranger will give an informative talk on the lifestyle of North Carolina’s popular Blue Crab and methods used to catch and cook crabs (though no cooking will take place during the program). See sample traps and hopefully a few live specimens. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Meets at sound side access.
Length of Program: Approx. 45 mins.
Ages: Any Age.

DISCOVERY TABLE – A ranger will have a “hands on” table set up with uncommon and common artifacts found in and around Jockey’s Ridge, including petrified lightning. Meets on Back Deck/Auditorium (weather depending).
Length of Program: Approx. 30 mins. Ages: Great for all ages

DUNE HIKE
What makes a sand dune? What keeps it from blowing away? How and why do animals make their home there? Answer these and many other questions during this low-intensity walk through the dunes. Let’s go exploring! Meets on Back Deck.
Length of Program: Approx. 45 mins.
Ages: Any age.

HANGING IN THE WIND
A Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding instructor will discuss the properties of wind and hang-gliding, a popular local activity. Meets in the auditorium.
Length of Program: Approx. 45 minutes.
Ages: Any age.

INSIDE THE EVANS ROAD FIRE
Get a first hand account of the Eastern NC Evans Road Fire that encompasses 41000 acres and is still burning!
Length of program: Approx. 45 minutes. Ages: Any age. Meets in the auditorium.

INTERESTING INSECTS
If you have ever stopped to admire a butterfly, tried to sneak up on a grasshopper, or if you just want to know more about creepy, crawly bugs then this is the program for you. First, learn all the details on insects and then get an up close look at these creatures when you take nets and containers out into the park for an insect round up.
Length of program: Approx. 45 mins. Ages: 4 yrs. and older. Meets in the auditorium.

KAYAKING ROANOKE SOUND
Join our staff for a paddle on the Roanoke Sound. We’ll learn about the sound and estuary portions of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. No experience necessary, but children under 13 must paddle with an adult (18 or older). Pre-registration required.
Length of program: Approx. 2 hours.
Ages: 6 years and older (no exceptions).

MYTHBUSTING ANIMAL ATTITUDES
Some animals just have a bad reputation and we aren’t even sure why. Join a discussion on the perceptions and misperceptions of different animals like bald eagles and snakes, just to name a few. Meets in the auditorium.
Length of program: Approx. 40 minutes. Ages: Any age.

VIDEO: The Wonders of Jockey's Ridge - is a 30 minute video that includes a reenactment of how Jockey's Ridge came to be preserved in the state park system. The video also has some photos of wildlife that can be seen in the park. All ages welcome.
Length of Program: 30 mins.
Ages: Any age.

REPTILES OF JOCKEY’S RIDGE
Join us for a short hike along the Mountains to Sea Trail section of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Along the way we will discuss and search for reptiles that have made the park their home. At one point evidence of a reptile frozen in time will be observed.
Length of program: Approx. 45 mins. Ages: Any age. Meets at Visitor Center.

SEINE THE SOUND
Join us on the Roanoke Sound as we run a seine net through the water to see what local species we can discover. While we’re at it we will discuss the importance of the sound and why we should be good environmental stewards. Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Meets at sound side access.
Length of program: Approx. 1 hour.
Ages: Any age.

SOUNDSIDE HIKE
Join us for an hike down the sound beach to explore the sound side of Jockey’s Ridge and talk about the fascinating dunes and the creatures that live here.
Length of program: Approx. 45 mins. Ages: Any age. Meets at the sound beach access boardwalk.

SUNSET ON THE RIDGE
Join a staff member on top of the ridge during the waning hours of the day as they explain the dune system, resident animals, and the view. Meets on top of the ridge.
Length of program: Approx. 20 minutes.
Ages: Any age.

TRACK CASTING
Kids can discover the animals of Jockey’s Ridge and learn to identify them by their tracks and other clues they leave behind. We’ll make a plaster cast of their favorite track for them to take home.
Length of program: Approx. 1 hour.
Ages: Any age. Pre-registration required.