View from the Ridge

by Joy Greenwood, Park Superintendent

As we go through the holidays this year, the staff at Jockey’s Ridge State Park sincerely hope everyone is having a safe and enjoyable time. This year we’ve decided to ramp up the decorations at the park to get into the festive spirit. Come check out our holiday lights this year. We’ve added a few deer, otters, and polar bears in front of our visitor center. Kitty Hawk Kites has joined us in spirit and decorated their hang glider and flight school as well.

As I think of this past year, many people don’t know but we had our first prescribed burn at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. About 20 acres were burned. Many times, we are asked what are the benefits of prescribed burning. One positive effect is that prescribed burning stresses some of the berry and nut producing plants, so they produce more. This can be a benefit to our wildlife as they prepare for the upcoming winter. Inside the visitor center, we have an ongoing program where you can make winter treats for the birds (peanut butter pinecones and garland treats).

Finally, I’d like to update everyone on three of our ongoing park projects. We are near completion of a new ranger residence, ramping up for our sand relocation and beach nourishment from the southeast corner of the park, and heavily into the visitor center and exhibits update. The sand relocation project will take place from January to March and the Visitor Center improvements will take place winter of 2019/20.

I sincerely hope all our friends have a safe and wonderful holiday and start off the New Year in a positive way. If you’re looking to work off a few holiday calories, join us for the annual New Year’s Day Hike on January 1st at 11am!