Happy Holidays from Jockey’s Ridge!

Happy Holidays from Jockey’s Ridge

Jockey’s Ridge State Park is on track for another record-breaking year with estimated visitation in 2019 surpassing 1.7 million visitors! We are proud to be the most visited state park in North Carolina.

This month, weekly ranger-led educational programs continue and the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge solar-powered Christmas tree is featured on top of the dune for the holiday season. Be sure to check it out! The tree features 800 bulbs illuminated exclusively by solar power.

Looking ahead to the New Year, we have many exciting programs and events planned. Celebrate the New Year with a first day Dune Hike. Join a ranger to hike through a section of the park and learn about its history, habitats, and wildlife. Come enjoy the wonders of Jockey’s Ridge State Park and the Outer Banks. The hike will begin at the visitor center at 10:00 a.m. on January 1, 2020.

In 2020, Jockey’s Ridge will offer educational programs supporting the NC State Park’s 2020 Interpretive and Educational Theme “Year of Fire”; we will be a host site for a Statewide Star Party in April, and a hotspot for the Eco-explorer program. Look for details on these events as well as the new Jockey’s Ridge fitness challenge coming soon. Our annual events including the “Killer Dunes” dune run in July and annual Dune Day celebration of all things Jockey’s Ridge in August are sure to be fun for all. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news and upcoming events.

To further enhance park educational programming, we want to hear from you! Input from our members helps us plan future programs and events. If you have specific knowledge and interest, relating to the natural and cultural history of the park and the Outer Banks, please contact Ranger Austin Paul at the park 252-441-7132 or Austin.paul@ncparks.gov . We hope to further partner with members to promote both our educational and recreational services. Your feedback and assistance could help reach thousands of visitors and students.

Do you have photos from a visit to Jockey’s Ridge? What is your favorite memory from your visit? Share your photos and stories with us at photosofjockeysridge@gmail.com. Your photo could be our next feature.

We are thankful for our friends and visitors and for your continued support. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. We look forward to seeing you in 2020!

Pictured Above: Jockey’s Ridge State park staff with Friends of Jockey’s Ridge members at the lighting of the solar tree November 30, 2019. (Pictured L to R: Ranger Austin Paul; FOJR Board Member Billy Moseley; FOJR Treasurer, Jeanne Brook; FOJR Vice-Chair Steve Brook; FOJR Board Member Lauren Nelson; FOJR Executive Director, Robin Hallac; FOJR Board Chair, Michael O’Brien; Jockey’s Ridge State Park Superintendent, Joy Greenwood).