Eno River Association
Protect. Advocate. Learn.
The Eno River was named after an Indigenous tribe known as the Haynoke, Oenoke, or Enoe Indians. The Eno River Association, Eno River State Park, Panther Branch Natural Area, and West Point on the Eno are located on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Eno, Shakori, Sissipahaw, Occaneechi, and other people of Siouan descent, […]
The Eno River Association (ERA) is excited to announce the newest conservation project along the Eno River. On August 14, the Reid family donated a conservation easement on a 2.5-acre riverfront portion of the historic Burnside Barn and Coachman’s Quarters property in Hillsborough. While modest in size, the land connects an existing protected Occaneechi site […]
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Salary: Up to $60,000 plus benefits. The Eno River Association (ERA) is hiring an Event Manager to lead our community engagement events and other event programs related to our new Strategic Plan. ERA seeks candidates who support the mission of our nationally accredited land trust, and who […]
The Eno River was named after an Indigenous tribe known as the Haynoke, Oenoke, or Enoe Indians. The Eno River Association, 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 people of Siouan descent, as well as their […]
The People Behind the Name The Eno River takes its name from the Eno (also recorded as Haynoke, Oenoke, or Enoe) people. Today, the Eno River Association and Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area are located on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Eno, Shakori, Sissipahaw, Occaneechi, and other Siouan-speaking peoples, whose descendants include the […]
Where Community and River Meet Before it became a tradition, before the stages and silk screens and summer crowds, there was a simple idea: bring people together in celebration of the Eno River—and in doing so, inspire them to protect it. For more than 45 years, that idea has taken shape as the Festival for […]
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 […]
For nearly five decades, the Festival for the Eno has brought our community together in celebration of music, art, creativity, and care for the river. It is homegrown and grassroots — powered by hundreds of volunteers, artists, partners, and supporters who believe in protecting the lands and waters we all love. In 2025, the day […]
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 […]
