Educator Spotlight: Luke 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 for his nonprofit to increase trail awareness and access for the public. He also coordinated an outdoor photography internship, established the Outer Banks Trail Center in Manteo and has adopted a 22 mile stretch of beach from Off-Road Vehicle Ramp 4 to the Oregon Inlet.

Luke says what he enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity to work with other educators while he was earning his certification. “My favorite part of earning my certification was sharing ideas with other North Carolina educators. The online classes, in-person workshops, and site visits helped me understand how to adapt existing resources and connect with learners.”

Windgrass Circle Park 

When asked about a certification experience that stands out to him, Luke said it was the teaching. I am most proud of my teaching experience. “My internship partner, Benjamin Lashley, captured the images for our Outer Banks Visitors Bureau essays which was published by Our State Magazine and won the NC Wildlife Youth Photographer Competition.”

Benjamin Lashley, Southern Shores Barred Owl

For his community partnership project, Luke created Outer Banks Community Paths after recognizing a need for a resource to educate the public on trail distances, services and landmarks. He also saw a need for an interactive online map that would show the dramatic changes in the landscapes.  

Luke worked with the Outer Banks Community Foundation to create online maps for 10 day-hike routes, 10 paddle routes and a bike route from Oregon Inlet to Corolla. Their maps have received more than 100,000 views. The foundation provided grant funding for research equipment and event fees. They also provided funding for the research and documentation of the kayak and bike trails for the internship photo essays published online by the visitors bureau. “The project began with extensive field research and communication with property managers along our barrier island, light residential and seasonal tourist destination community. The next phase included the creation of an interactive online map, cardboard interpretive maps and a printable booklet. 

Outer Banks Trail Center

The final phase of the project was the approval and promotion of the event at Kitty Hawk Elementary School and logistical coordination of hosts and event resources.” In addition to partnering with the foundation, Luke engaged many members of the community including Outer Banks Health, Dare County Schools, Outer Banks Sporting Events, OBX SPCA, Community Care Clinic of Dare, OBX BikePed, Ocean Atlantic Rentals, Coastal Kayak and Corolla Outback Adventures. Luke says the  benefit to the community is an increased awareness of public outdoor access and of the environment in addition to encouraging safe and responsible use of trails.

Luke says participating in the program helped him understand the fundamentals of environmental education. “As a nonformal educator, it is important to identify my intended audience and communicate effectively with a variety of learners.

He also says the program changed the way he thinks about environmental issues. “After participating in this program, I have become more aware of how human (social, economic, political, cultural) systems affect ecosystems. Additionally, systems thinking is critical for lifelong learning and literacy.”