Turtles and Gators and Plankton, Oh My!
Have you ever eaten your way through the salt marsh? Wondered why Bald Head Island might need the alligators that live near it? Thanks to the Bald Head Island Conservancy's camps and special programs, this summer students of all ages have the opportunity to learn about creatures great and small on the island, as well as its botany, habitats and nightlife.
"The ultimate goal for these programs is to educate and excite people about the incredible island on which they live or are visiting," says Maureen Dewire, BHIC director of education and senior naturalist. "The more people learn about a habitat or the wildlife within it, the more concerned they will become with protecting that habitat and the species that utilize it."
If you're vacationing on the island for a weekend or the entire summer, don't miss these chances to turn a simple visit into a world of wonder. Here's a glimpse of what’s available to learners young and young at heart:
Conservancy Camp: This popular camp combines outdoor activities such as kayaking, nature hikes, crabbing and shell collecting with a fun "hands-on" curriculum. Learn about sea turtles, marsh critters, plant and animal identification, habitats and more. Activities change daily, and take place "in the wild" whenever possible.
Bald Head after Dark: The island takes on a very different feel as the sun goes down and darkness falls. While many of the island's critters wind down for the night, several others are just gearing up. Join us in the BHIC classroom for a brief presentation on Bald Head's active nightlife, including bats, frogs, toads, alligators, fireflies and bioluminescent plankton—before heading out and about on the island to find some of it ourselves.
Island Alligators: Alligators are an extremely important part of our island ecosystem. Join us in the classroom to learn about gators and the role they play here on Bald Head Island, followed by a trip to the Wildlife Overlook for a chance to see them in the wild.
Sea Turtle Protection Program: BHIC sea turtle interns present information on this threatened species, the hazards they face, and the work we are doing to help protect them.
Turtle Walks: During the summer season, beginning June 2 through Aug. 13, BHIC members may join the sea turtle biologist for a Turtle Walk nightly at 9 p.m. in the classroom to learn more about loggerhead turtles. After a 45-minute presentation, participants are led to the beach to await word from the BHIC beach patrol for directions to any nesting or hatching sites. After Aug. 13, Turtle Walks will focus on potential hatching events, as females are usually no longer nesting that late in the season. To protect this significant resource, Turtle Walks are restricted to 25 participating members each night.
Any of these programs will help you understand the incredible habitat that Bald Head Island is to so many important and interesting species. "Through knowledge and understanding comes a greater appreciation of this rare barrier island and others like it up and down the coast," Dewire says. And understanding the island’s significance will ultimately help people protect and preserve it for years to come.
For more information (including dates, times and cost) or to make reservations for any of these exciting programs, contact the BHIC at www.BHIC.org or call 910-457-0089.
