Eno River Association
Protect. Advocate. Learn.
The Eno River was named after a Native American tribe known as the Haynoke, Oenoke, or Enoe Indians. The Eno River Association (ERA), Eno River State Park, and West Point on the Eno are located on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Eno, Shakori, Sissipahaw, Occaneechi, and other Siouan-speaking peoples, as well as their […]
In its early years, the Eno River Association (ERA) faced major challenges in protecting the river’s natural resources and the benefits it provided to surrounding communities. The dedication of the earliest supporters of the preservation of the Eno River Valley laid the foundation for the river-centered land conservation, community events, and vibrant community that ERA […]
Almost three years after the Eno River Association joined neighbors in a legal settlement with Point Ridge LLC, 27.6 acres of Black Meadow Ridge adjacent to West Point on the Eno City Park are now under ERA ownership. ERA’s portion of the property will be permanently protected and could potentially become part of West Point […]
Eno River Association Helps Protect Key Land Along Seven Mile Creek In December 2025, the Eno River Association partnered with Orange County and the State of North Carolina’s Land and Water Fund to protect nearly 20 acres of high-priority conservation land along Seven Mile Creek. The property will expand Orange County’s Seven Mile Creek Natural […]
Dear Friends, As the nights grow longer and colder, you may find yourself spending less time at the Eno’s parks and preserves. There is a certain beauty in the stillness of winter along the Eno that we hope you get to enjoy in between family gatherings and cozy nights in. This year has been a […]
We could hardly wait to share the news: GSK has selected the Eno River Association as one of ten Triangle-area recipients of the 2025 IMPACT Award! With the award of the $50,000 GSK is supporting ERA’s work building healthy communities by protecting the nature, culture, and history of the Eno River basin. Our organization was […]
Friends, Wildflowers, and Herons: the Eno River Association now has three distinct tiers of membership, with perks at each level.
This spring, thanks to the generosity of donors, including an anonymous donor of a $20,000 match, the Eno River Association reached our $40,000 fundraising goal to purchase a new tractor for our stewardship work. Now, our brand-new Kubota tractor (nicknamed “Clementine”) has a home at the Confluence Natural Area, where our land and stewardship team […]
The application period ended on November 1st. We have begun reviewing applications and expect to reach out to applicants for interviews in mid-November. Hours: 10 – 15 hours per week Compensation: $2,500 stipend per semester Duration: Spring semester Location: Durham, NC. Hybrid. About Us: The Eno River Association is a non-profit, accredited land trust dedicated […]
Evie Fitzpatrick is a rising junior at UNC-Chapel Hill studying history and political science. As our 2025 Summer Communications Intern, she has brightened the ERA office with her enthusiasm for social media, policy, and events. Evie expresses her value for conservation through communications and political engagement, having also worked as an intern with the Governor’s […]
Since tropical depression Chantal caused major flooding of the Eno River, we have cautioned people to avoid coming into contact with the water until we have a clear read on water quality in the river. For those asking whether it’s safe to swim yet, we have an update. Samantha Krop is the Riverkeeper of the […]
We are just beginning the process of assessing damage to trails and park infrastructure, but early reports have shown severe damage to trails. We want to emphasize that, until further notice, most parks and preserves along the Eno are closed. The trail conditions are still extremely dangerous in many places.
The following message is from our Executive Director, Ryan Fehrman, shared with Wildflower Society members during our gathering at the Confluence Natural Area in early June: I want to start my comments with several things that I NEED to say before transitioning into everything that I want to say. The first is, thank all of […]
This spring, the Eno River Association hosted a guided hike near Penny’s Bend in Durham, NC, featured on PBS North Carolina’s Sci NC. Led by ecologist Milo Pyne, the hike explored a unique section of the Eno River rich in wildflowers thanks to its rare diabase rock soil. This geology creates a more alkaline environment, […]
Update (8/1): We are no longer accepting new applications for this position. Job Title: Fall Communications InternOrganization: Eno River AssociationHours: 10 – 15 hours per week Compensation: $2,500 stipend per semesterDuration: Fall semester (with potential for extension)Location: Durham, NC. Hybrid. About Us: The Eno River Association is dedicated to preserving and protecting the nature, culture, […]
CEDAR GROVE, NC — In a unique agreement, three North Carolina-based conservation groups will permanently protect Bluestem Conservation Cemetery, the first conservation cemetery in central North Carolina and one of only 13 such cemeteries in the country. Bluestem Community has donated a conservation easement to Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) and Eno River Association that will […]
Job Title: Summer Communications InternOrganization: Eno River AssociationHours: 10 – 15 hours per week Compensation: stipend not available (students are encouraged to explore funding through their academic institution)Duration: May 15 to August 15 (dates flexible, with potential for extension to a paid fall semester internship)Location: Durham, NC. Hybrid. Must be able to work onsite at the […]
As we embark on another busy season of conservation and community, we invite you to explore the Eno River Association’s 2024 Annual Report and reflect on the last year. This report highlights the meaningful progress we’ve made together in preserving our cherished natural spaces, protecting vital ecosystems, and connecting with the local community. Your support […]
Dear Friends, Refreshed by the spring thaw, the Eno River meanders through the landscape, invigorating the surrounding woods and wetlands. Meanwhile, the Confluence Natural Area comes alive as the season unfolds in vibrant color. This 270-acre preserve, once farmland dating back to the late 1700s, is now a haven for nature lovers and a sanctuary […]
I am honored to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of the Eno River Association. As a long-time resident of Durham and a passionate advocate for both people experiencing homelessness and stewardship of our environment, I am thrilled to step into this role and join such a dedicated community of conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and river stewards.
The 200+ acre Occoneechee Speedway property in Hillsborough is now a part of Eno River State Park.
Charting a Course for the Long-term Vitality, Sustainability, and Resilience of the Eno and Little Rivers DURHAM, N.C. ― The Eno and Little River watersheds face a series of profound challenges. Stretching across 260 square miles of northern Durham and Orange counties, the rivers provide drinking water and ecological, recreational, and educational benefits for over […]
“As a native of Western North Carolina, the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene has felt personal. My ancestral thread runs deep within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains; since the 1700s, my family has rooted in the river valley that stretches from South Carolina to the base of the Appalachian Mountains, […]
Like many of our neighbors, we have been watching the sad news from Western North Carolina. We hope you and your families are safe. Hurricane Helene has caused significant damage, yet the true level of impact to our communities, local businesses, and ecosystems is weeks from being known. Many of us are feeling worried and want […]
