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| 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.
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"TrailHead" by Benjamin Lashley
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Luke says what he enjoyed most about the program was the opportunity to collaborate with other educators while working towards certification. “Many meaningful moments in the journey occurred while sharing best practices with a mix of traditional North Carolina instructors. The online group classes, in-person workshops, and site visits helped me understand how to improve my existing resources and better connect with audiences.”
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| "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. Our 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.”
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| "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 over 100,000 views.
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| "Happy Hikes" by Benjamin Lashley |
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"Down the Line" by Benjamin Lashley
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Luke says participating in the program helped him develop fundamental environmental literacy. “As an informal 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 learners 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?”
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| "Pocosin Paradox" by Benjamin Lashley |
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