Educator Spotlight: Luke Halton

Photo by Colonel Matthew Halton 

Luke Halton, founder and director of the nonprofit, THE OBX WAY, recently completed his NC Environmental Education Certification. Luke creates Outer Banks trail maps to encourage outdoor safety, health and education. He also coordinated a high school photography internship, established the Outer Banks Trail Center in Manteo, and has adopted the Hatteras National Seashore beach from ORV Ramp 4 to the Oregon Inlet. 

"TrailHead" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says what he enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity to collaborate with other educators while working towards certification. “My favorite part of participating in the certification program was the opportunity to share ideas with a variety of formal North Carolina instructors. The online classes, in-person workshops, and site visits helped me understand how to improve my existing resources and better connect with learners.”

"BikeRack" by Benjamin Lashley

When asked about a certification experience that stands out to him, Luke said it was the teaching. I am most proud of our HONORS internship program. “My student-partner, Benjamin Lashley, captured the idyllic images for our Outer Banks Visitors Bureau essays, was published online by Our State Magazine, and won the NC Wildlife Youth Photographer Competition. Ben's effort is irreplaceable, and his photos are timeless."

"BaySide" by Benjamin Lashley

For his community partnership project, THE OBX WAY activated a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation to research, document, and promote local day-hikes. The project produced an online interactive map, a printable booklet, and an information event hosted by outdoor enthusiasts. The momentum from this project led to bicycle and paddle route designs, with the new interpretive maps reaching more than 100,000 views.  

"Happy Hikers" by Benjamin Lashley

"Down the Line" by Benjamin Lashley

Luke says participating in the program helped him understand the fundamentals of environmental education. “As a nonformal educator, exploring ocean, forest, and marsh ecosystems with unique plant and animal species, my curriculum is unlimited. However, to improve awareness and affect attitudes for environmental appreciation, focusing on key subjects for diverse groups is required to advance outdoor stewardship, access, and inclusion. So... how can I help people with varied ages and abilities enjoy nature on their terms? 

"Pocosin Paradox" by Benjamin Lashley

25 Years of Wonder: Sharing the Magic of Estuaries with Ms. Lori Davis

 Today, we are celebrating the incredible impact of Lori Davis as she reaches an amazing milestone of 25 years of service with the state of North Carolina.

“Ms. Lori,” as she is called by most, strives to live by this quote from Rachel Carson: “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” 

For the past 25 years, Ms. Lori has served as an Education Specialist (11 years) and as the Education Coordinator (14 years) for the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve. In this role, she manages K - college education initiatives, teacher and educator programs, and community outreach efforts. If you have ever been fortunate enough to learn from or work with her, then you know how she transforms the natural world into a place of discovery and excitement through her words, enthusiasm, and knowledge.

Read the entire story on DEQ's Environmentally Speaking Blog.