August 1, 1999

Karen Brown, Superintendent

Cape Lookout National Seashore
131 Charles St.
Harkers Island, NC 28531

Dear Karen-

I wanted to drop you a note to let you know what a blessing the Cape Lookout Studies Program is to all the people who visit and want to learn about Cape Lookout.

This is the first year for this program and I'm happy to say a success also. When paging through the evaluations I see most of the kids saying that more time with Keith at the Coast Guard Station would be an improvement. I agree!

Two co-leaders and myself led two trips north along the park starting at Shackleford and eventually crossing to Cedar Island. On our first trip we saw plenty of Loggerhead sea turtles. They are common but the mating pair was a rarity according to Keith. What amazing creatures! The kids were amazed, as was I.  I found out later that night about Keith's love for the bottlenose dolphins. He told the group of their habits and life. Our second trip we worked with Megan to relocate a turtle nest. The kids got to move the eggs and then re-bury them. What an incredible experience! What I have mentioned here are just the highlights. If you would like to hear more of our experience please call me anytime. Keith has such a good way of teaching. Never, in my life, have I run across a man who was so passionate about what he teaches. His enthusiasm carries the group. I also want to mention as well, the volunteers. They work so hard for something they all love and believe in.

Next year, my trip will include two days at the Coast Guard Station. I feel that the Cape Lookout Studies Program is one of the greatest assets to the park. As a teacher, coastal lover and taxpayer I feel that this program deserves all the help the park, the Maritime Museum, and our state can offer. Beside yourself I have sent a copy of this letter to George Shannon at the Maritime Museum, Senator Beverly Perdue, Governor Hunt, and Keith. You and the others are the people I feel need to know about what goes on at the old Coast Guard outpost.

I think I've summed up the thoughts I have on Keith and his outfit. I want to say that Cape Lookout is the most amazing of the many National Parks I've been to. Thanks!

Sincerely,

T.J. Keene, Director