Ocracoke Preservation Society
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Island Inn Commons
Public Green Space at the Heart of Ocracoke Village
2026:
A Growing Home
The spring of 2026 has been busy! In the garden, we have laid 4 full pallets of compost and finished with mulching. Observing the early spring bloom cycle, we continue to make additions and edits to the plant beds. This time of year is especially rewarding as the garden comes into fullness. We have been working diligently on the grass panel in the center of the main garden to fix the challenges of poor drainage and making lists of plants to add in the next month. A new entrance for the event space is being constructed and the Commons will host three wedding events in the coming months. We are actively selling bricks for the second walkway to be installed in September, 2026. Fall plantings around the building and remaining site completion are in the planning stages. Of course, you will always find us in the garden - weeding, feeding and pruning! To join us, check out our Facebook page for volunteer opportunities.
Events in the Commons
The Commons is home to a number of community events:
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July 3rd Fish Fry
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October 16 “Evening at the Commons”, 5-7 pm
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Holiday "Lighting up the Garden"
2025:
Planting and Building
The fig orchard was re-installed in a dynamic design and the area around the shed was landscaped. In 2025, the landscape committee fundraises, held events and refurbished the planted bed along Lighthouse Road. We held a second brick sale for two more pathways that will become the entrance way to the restored Island Inn Visitor's Center.
We are also worked more intensely with Ocracoke Preservation Society to further the development of the building restoration project.
2023-2024:
Coming to Life
In 2023, a large part of the two-acre Island Inn property was completely transformed into a vibrant green space. Six beds were planted with over 100 different varieties of plants and flowers, as well as Eastern cedars, azaleas, blueberry bushes and yaupon. Pathways, benches, arbors and a picnic area were added. The Island Inn Commons became a place that invites social connection, nurtures biodiversity and reduces the impact of climate change. A second property – the McDermott Greenway, across Lighthouse Road - is a shaded, quiet oasis. Three events were held in the Commons in 2023 and 2024 – Ocracoke Preservation Society’s Annual July 3 Fish Fry, the Evening in the Commons in October, and December holiday tree lighting. These events will continue in the future as regular OPS events. In 2023, Ocracoke Alive erected and auctioned 20 artist mural panels, including 12 created by Ocracoke School students.
In 2024, robust development of the Commons continued! OPS partnered with Ocracoke Civic and Business Association to construct public restrooms on the property, the only facility in the village. A large pergola was created in the center of the Commons to serve as a passageway; with four benches, tables and an overhead covering, this will be a unique and shaded place for events. Just behind the main inn structure, a new shed was added for work and storage. Two brick pathways were laid as entrance ways to the coming fig garden; over 350 bricks were sold and personalized. T-shirts and notecards with artwork from Ocracoke School students were produced and sold.
Ocracoke Alive art show
McDermott Greenway
Locally Grown
For And By The Community
The Ocracoke community has come together to make the Commons happen, in every possible way, including contributing thousands of dollars through generous personal donations and sponsorship. Volunteers come regularly to weed, plant, paint and more. Skilled folks have donated all kinds of labor; see list below. In 2023, the Landscape Committee raised $66K through sponsorships, contributions, events, generous in-kind donations, and a grant from the Ocracoke Community Foundation. Total expenses were $42.5K. With so much donated labor, 70% of the project budget was used for garden supplies - plants, soil, lumber, displays and irrigation. In 2024, in addition to a $21K rollover, the Landscape Committee raised just over $100K through similar fundraising activities to 2023, and the new brick pathway campaign. Total expenses were $109K.
The following have made the Commons possible:
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Kathy Koss and Southern Rain LLC, a landscape company from Pittsboro, NC
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Andrea Powers and Ken DeBarth, OPS Director and Board Chair
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Board of Directors, OPS
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Andy Todd, Tideland Electric
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David Tolson, Ocracoke Sanitary District Manager
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Dave Tweedie and Ocracoke Alive
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Bob Chestnut and Ocracoke Civic and Business Association
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Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board
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In-kind gifts from Kellogg Lumber, Kempsville Lumber, Ocracoke Variety Store, Ray Stotesberry, Island Garden Center, Wooden Sea Tree Service, Johnny Conner, Raul Campos and crew, Darren Burrus, Jason’s Restaurant, The Concrete Studios in Currituck County, The Working Watermen’s Fish House, Landmark Building and Design, Garick Kalna and James Garrish
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Landscaping Committee: Debbie Wells (Chair), Susie Rockel, Bill Cole, Heather Johnson, Trudy Austin, Claudia Horwitz, Paige Bennett