How tall is Cape Hatteras Light?/Kurt Repanshek

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial are offering a rich lineup of free interpretative programs today through May 22.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Hatteras Island:

Monday - Friday, 11 a.m. '“ Barrier Island Dynamics Look at the wild side of the Outer Banks and learn how the flora and fauna of this island community are shaped and adapt to the natural processes of island migrations, barrier island roll-over and erosion. We will explore how we are impacted by these natural processes and how we can adapt. Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion - (15 min)

Monday - Friday, 2:30 p.m. '“ Light Station Discovery Walk How tall is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse? Why was it built here? When and how was it built? You moved it? What is a Fresnel lens? Answer these and many more questions when you join a ranger for this short walk. Cape Hatteras Light Station Lawn - (20 min)

Ocracoke Island:

Monday and Wednesday, 11 a.m. '“ Pirates! Find out more about the golden age of piracy. Ocracoke Visitor Center '“ (30 min)

Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 11 a.m., Monday and Wednesday, 2 p.m. '“ Barrier Island Nature Discover more about the plants, animals, or shifting sands of the Outer Banks. Ocracoke Visitor Center '“ (30 min)

Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, 2 p.m. '“ Banker Ponies. Learn more about the ponies' mysterious origins, unique physical attributes, and survival skills. Ocracoke Pony Pens '“ (30 min)

Fort Raleigh National Historic Site

Daily, 2 p.m. '“ One Island, Many Stories! Since before the English first set foot on Roanoke Island in 1584, the island has seen many people come and go. Some of those who came died here, while others found things only possible in their dreams. Join us as we explore the complex human history of this place from the Algonquians, to the Freedmen, and to visitors today. Fort Raleigh Visitor Center '“ (25 min)

Daily, 10 a.m. '“ For Kids:Life in a Roanoke Tribe This activity offers a remembrance of the native people of Roanoke Island. Through the viewing of some John White watercolors that depict the Carolina Algonquian, kids of all ages will learn about possible meanings behind some of their body markings and be invited to create their own with body paint. Fort Raleigh Visitor Center '“ (20 min)

Daily, 11 a.m. '“ The Lost Colony? The colonial ambitions of the English in the late 16th Century and their explorations of the "New World" forever changed the history of Roanoke Island.Explore the history and mystery surrounding England's first attempt to colonize the "New World." Fort Raleigh Visitor Center '“ (25 min)

Daily, every half-hour '“ Roanoke: The Lost Colony Watch the movie to learn more about the Lost Colony. Fort Raleigh Visitor Center Auditorium '“ (17 min)

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Daily; 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. '“ Flight Room Talk Learn about the Wright brothers and how they developed the first successful airplane. See a demonstration of their control system on a reproduction of the 1903 Flyer. Wright Brothers Visitor Center Flight Room - (25 min).

By attending programs and completing a workbook, kids can become Junior Rangers. Booklets are free and available at the visitor centers found at each park. For more information, call 252-473-2111.