In 2024, Outdoor NC – a Visit NC movement that is committed to promoting destination stewardship throughout North Carolina – hosted its inaugural Guide Summit, in partnership with Leave No Trace, part of an ongoing effort to recognize and promote recreational tour guides and outfitters on a statewide level. This specialized in-person 2-day workshop not only provides guides with an in-depth overview of the skills associated with Leave No Trace but also prepares them to effectively communicate and teach Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Principles – along with components of destination stewardship, responsible travel and sustainable tourism – to their staff and customers.
On March 24-25, 2025, the second annual Outdoor NC Guide Summit was held at Raven Rock State Park in Lillington, NC. Jamie Moore, owner of Outer Banks Adventures, a family-owned recreation outfitter that specializes in educational eco tours via airboat and bus, attended the summit and shared some of his key takeaways from this unique experience.
What are some of your key takeaways from the Outdoor NC Guide Summit?
JM: One of the biggest takeaways from the Outdoor NC Guide Summit is that stewardship must be a collective effort. To protect our natural resources and preserve the visitor experience for future generations, it’s essential that everyone—guides, outfitters, park and refuge officials and more—work together. Whether it’s the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, state parks, wildlife refuges or the beaches themselves, these places attract people from all over. But it's not just about the land managers. Residents, town and county officials, real estate and rental communities and restaurants and their staff all have a role to play. Everyone contributes to keeping the Outer Banks the special place it is. Those on the front lines—boots on the ground—can have the most significant impact, and their engagement is crucial. Ultimately, collaboration leads to more effective and sustainable management.
How will your learnings from the Outdoor NC Guide Summit help impact and shape your business – Outer Banks Adventures – moving forward?
JM: For the past decade, we’ve kept a relatively low profile—both with our tours and behind the scenes activity. We've volunteered with organizations like OBX Marine Mammal Stranding Network (MMSN), Network for Endangered Sea Turtles (N.E.S.T.), Coastal NC Alligator Research, NC Coastal Federation, NC Aquarium and Jennette’s Pier, the Coastal Environmental Educators Network (CEEN) and others. Most people, whether locals or visitors, don’t realize how much these organizations contribute to the community. Moving forward, we plan to be more vocal about the work being done and the role of groups like CEEN. Engagement is key. As the saying goes, “Many hands make light work”—and there's still a lot of work to be done. We need to be proactive rather than reactive. If everyone plays their part, we can help ensure the Outer Banks remains the place we all know, love and enjoy.
Why is environmental education and stewardship such an important component of Outer Banks Adventures?
JM: Environmental education has been at the heart of our tours and experiences from the beginning—and it's what truly sets us apart. My personal connection to the area runs deep. My parents had a “beach box” home here when I was a kid. My dad owned a working marina surrounded by commercial fishermen and my mom was a professor who worked on NASA’s space shuttle missions. Science, water and education were integral parts of my upbringing.
When my wife Shannon encouraged our family to move here, it gave me a new perspective on the Outer Banks. I was fortunate to meet Terri Kirby Hathaway from NC Sea Grant at Coastal Studies Institute, who mentored me and introduced me to the CEEN group. Through that, I met amazing individuals like Sara Hallas from the NC Coastal Federation and many others who have been true champions of environmental stewardship on the Outer Banks. We were the only private business represented in that group, and that experience inspired me to make a real difference—not just to operate tours, but to offer meaningful, educational experiences that leave a lasting impression. I wanted to elevate the Outer Banks experience and connect people to this place on a deeper level.
I’ve continued to grow the business through programs like Virginia’s Ecotourism initiative and North Carolina’s Environmental Education Certification Program. As my mom always said, “Never stop educating yourself—because no one can take that away from you.” I’ve learned so much and still have more to learn. Helping others see the Outer Banks through new eyes and inspiring them to care for this place is one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do.
What advice would you share with someone visiting the Outer Banks?
JM: Stop, look and listen. In today’s fast-paced, distracted world, it’s important to slow down and be present—to truly appreciate the moment and why we go on vacation in the first place. Many visitors plan so much during their trip that they miss the opportunity to just be here. Take time to connect with the environment and leave it better than you found it. Take only memories and leave only footprints. And if you really want to make a difference, get involved. That’s how we can keep this place as special as it is today.
About Outdoor NC:
In 2020, Visit NC, the state’s tourism office, along with the NC Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Leave No Trace, partnered to create an initiative to ensure North Carolina’s treasured outdoor resources continue to thrive for millions of people who visit these spaces annually. The Outdoor NC initiative was born. The program has evolved into a movement that is committed to promoting stewardship throughout the state, inspiring everyone to not only experience the outdoors, but embrace and preserve it as well. Outdoor NC’s three areas of focus are:
- Destination Stewardship which brings together community allies to find a balance between residents’ quality of life and visitors experience.
- Responsible Travel which encourages visitors to balance enjoyment of local heritage and nature with respect for community assets.
- Sustainable Tourism which emphasizes industry operations that balance economic returns with social responsibility and environmental conservation.
Click here to learn more and to Join the Outdoor NC Movement.
