Birds Across Assateague - Join
us for a 1 mile stroll from beach to bay to look for island birdlife. We
provide binoculars and a spotting scope for a close-up look. Meet in the
history exhibit parking lot at the intersection of Bayberry Drive and Ferry
Landing Road. Insect repellent, long pants and long sleeves are recommended.
Distance: 1 mile. Time: 1-1½ hours.
The Lost Beach Mystery - The
beach is missing! We have rounded up all the usual suspects: Shifty Sands,
Stormy Surges, and Nora Easter. Join us for this geography who-done-it. Meet at
the pedestrian/bicycle bridge parking lot (between the visitor center and the
bridge). After walking to the top of the bridge overlook, we’ll car caravan
north of the state park and explore evidence of an island on the move.
Distance: 1 mile. Time: 1½-2 hours.
Bay Discovery – Marshes
and bays are some of the most productive places on earth. Join a naturalist and
take a close look at marine organisms that thrive in the bay. Wear clothing that
you don’t mind getting wet! A snug pair of wading shoes is required - no
flip-flops. Meet at the Old Ferry Landing. Time: 1 hour.
Canoe Trip - Join
a park ranger at the Old Ferry Landing for a unique way to explore the marshes
and waters of Chincoteague Bay. After a short briefing on basic canoeing
skills, we will explore a rarely experienced part of the island. Paddlers must be age 14 or older, and
all paddlers must have strength to paddle in windy conditions. Children ages
6-13 have the option of sitting in the middle of the canoe. No children under age 6 permitted. All
equipment is provided. Wading shoes (no flip-flops) are required, as wading
will be necessary at certain stops. Note:
Reservations must be made in person at the Barrier Island Visitor Center. There
is a $20.00 per canoe fee for the activity, payable by cash or check only at
the time of making the reservation. This fee is non-refundable except when
stormy or extremely windy weather forces cancellation of the trip. Reservations
are limited to one trip per person each summer. Canoeists with reservations
must arrive on time or risk forfeiture to others standing by. Distance: 1 mile.
Time: 2 hours.
Seashells & Shore Life - Search for seashell
treasures while uncovering the secrets of shore life. Meet at the
pedestrian/bicycle bridge parking lot (between the visitor center and the
bridge). After walking to the top of the bridge overlook, we’ll car caravan
north of the state park and explore the special relationship between land and
water. Distance: 1 mile. Time: 1½ hours.
Aquarium Feeding – You don’t need scuba gear to join park staff for a look
at the weird and wonderful creatures inhabiting the waters around Assateague
Island. Meet at the Barrier Island
Visitor Center. Time: 45 minutes.
Shellfishing Demonstration - Learn
about the undiscovered delicacy of Assateague, the ribbed mussel, and how to
safely harvest and cook it. Join a ranger at Ferry Landing to find out how to
collect clams and blue crabs, too and learn about the environmental and
economic pressures that threaten them. Those interested in seeing where mussels
live should wear clothing and shoes (no flip-flops) suitable for wading.
Time: 1 hour
Surf Fishing - We
provide several surf rods and bait, and demonstrate equipment and casting
techniques to help you learn about the basics of surf fishing. Wear clothing
and shoes suitable for wading in the surf if you want to cast it “way out
there!” All participants will have several chances to cast; those interested
can fish awhile. No better way to learn before investing in equipment. Meet at
the northeast corner of the Ocean Beach parking lot. Note: program is for ages 12 and older. Time: 1-1½ hours.
Surf Rescue Demonstration - Join
our lifeguard staff as they demonstrate the equipment and techniques of ocean
surf rescue. Because ocean swimming can be dangerous, the staff strongly
encourages your participation in this activity. Meet at the designated
lifeguard stand at North Ocean Beach. Time: ½ hour.
A Walk at Dusk - (precedes
Campfire Program) Join a ranger for an evening stroll down the beach to the
site of the campfire program. Insect repellent may be necessary. Meet under the
canopy outside the National Seashore’s Campground Ranger Station. Distance: ¼
mile. Time: ½ hour.
Campfire Program - Did pirates hide out
on Assateague? Where did the ponies really come from? Join a park naturalist
for a discussion of the many faces of Assateague. Insect repellent may be
necessary. If driving, park at the southernmost beach boardwalk in the North
Ocean Beach lot and walk 200 yards south along the beach. If you are camping in
Oceanside Campground, walk north from one of the boardwalks that lead to the
beach. Time: 1 hour.
