Shamrock Marathon 2017 - Virginia Beach

Approximately 30,000 runners from all 50 states and several countries will come together along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront March 18-19 for the Annual Shamrock Marathon Weekend.

The three-day event features a Sports and Fitness Expo, races and challenges to accommodate all ages and skill levels, and a huge finish line celebration on the beach.

Registration is still open for the Yuengling Shamrock marathon (26.2 miles), the Anthem Shamrock half marathon (13.1 miles) and the TowneBank Shamrock 8K (4.97 miles).

Visit ShamrockMarathon.com to register.

source: City of Virginia Beach

Outer Banks NC Outdoors Day

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is hosting a free “Outdoors Day” on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla.

At Outdoors Day, visitors can experience the outdoors and gain practical knowledge through hands-on activities and demonstrations, such as fishing, kayaking, shooting a bow and arrow and an air rifle.

Visitors also can check out other activity stations, such as Game Species, Talking Turkey, Backyard Bass, Birding Basics and Sea Turtles.

Staff from Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges will be on hand to describe their seasonal tours, canoe outings, and ranger-led programs on local wildlife during the day.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education features exhibits and programs that interpret coastal North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats, natural history and cultural heritage. Things to do include daily showings of an award-winning documentary, and a calendar of events, and educational courses.

Admission to the center is free, as are the educational programs offered. The Center is Located in Currituck Heritage Park on Highway 12, next to Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club.

For more information, visit ncwildlife.org/obx.

source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

How to Rake Quahog Clams

Quahog clams are found in saltwater bays and estuaries in every Mid-Atlantic state. These delicious clams can be caught with clam rakes or by other methods.

Raking quahog clams is a relaxing activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Aside from a rake, a container and a pair of sneakers, not much is required in the way of equipment. Raking clams is usually done from spring through fall as harvesters must get wet in order to effectively catch clams.

Raking clams can be done in a variety of water depths and bottom compositions, although some areas and water conditions are more productive than others.

The best areas for raking clams are usually shallow with a smooth, sandy or slightly muddy bottom. Several types of bottoms may contain clams, but are not suitable for clamming. For example, extremely hard bottoms are difficult to penetrate with a rake. Other areas may be covered with aquatic vegetation, shells or other debris, all of which make raking difficult or impossible.

Some clammers prefer to work during an outgoing tide. A flowing tide often helps clear the water so that the bottom can be seen while wading along. Clamming can be done even if there is poor visibility but seeing the bottom can be helpful. Low tides allow clammers to comfortably work farther from shore, where clams are sometimes more plentiful.