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Eno River Association

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Eno River News

Happy 50th Birthday to Eno River State Park!

July 31, 2023 by Emily Hill

Check out our time lapse video, mapping the growth of the Eno River State Park over 50 years. It’s time to light the candles and sing happy birthday! This year, on August 22, Eno River State Park is celebrating the big 5-0. It’s a significant milestone in our journey to protect and conserve the natural, […]

Happy 50th Birthday to Eno River State Park!

Jul 31, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Thank You for Supporting our 44th Festival for the Eno!

July 10, 2023 by Emily Hill

It’s you, this vibrant, kind-hearted, and giving community, that makes it all possible. From the performers, to the volunteers, and of course all of you that came and enjoyed yourselves – we’re sending a heartfelt “Thank You!” Your Festival participation is just the first step in protecting the Eno. As you know, the Festival provides significant awareness […]

Thank You for Supporting our 44th Festival for the Eno!

Jul 10, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno River Association Adds Critical Protection to Teer Quarry 

June 29, 2023 by Kim Livingston

The Eno River Association is pleased to announce that a drinking water source for the City of Durham is now further protected with the generous donation of a 71-acre conservation easement adjacent to Teer Quarry. The conservation easement will protect the eastern side of the former quarry, which is located along the southern side of the […]

Eno River Association Adds Critical Protection to Teer Quarry 

Jun 29, 2023 · Kim Livingston

Filed Under: Eno River News

Join us for our 44th Festival for the Eno!

June 14, 2023 by Emily Hill

44th Annual Festival for the Eno

Summer is here, and that means, the Festival for the Eno is just around the corner! We hope to see you on July 1st and 4th! This year’s incredible lineup features Tift Merritt, Bombadil, the African American Dance Ensemble, the Gospel Jubilators, Joseph Terrell, Mike Compton & Joe Newberry, Dawn Landes, Spiritual Voices, Hammer No […]

Join us for our 44th Festival for the Eno!

Jun 14, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

How We’re Advocating for the Eno

May 26, 2023 by Emily Hill

The Eno River Association is at the forefront of advocacy efforts to protect and preserve the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River and its surrounding areas. The following are some updates on our advocacy efforts and opportunities to support to our cause. All are welcome to join our Eno Land Use & Advocacy Committee […]

How We’re Advocating for the Eno

May 26, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Strategic Conservation Planning for Eno River Basin

May 15, 2023 by Kim Livingston

We are excited to announce that we are embarking on a new project! We are developing a comprehensive strategic conservation plan that will center environmental justice and climate resilience goals within a prioritized plan for proactive natural, cultural, and historic resource protection across the entire Eno River basin. This plan will incorporate updated outcomes from […]

Strategic Conservation Planning for Eno River Basin

May 15, 2023 · Kim Livingston

Filed Under: Eno River News

Panther Branch Natural Area Opens

April 1, 2023 by Emily Hill

NEWEST ADDITION TO THE ENO RIVER PARKS NETWORK A collective vision to transform 56 acres of family-owned forest into a publicly accessible riverfront hiking area has become a reality. Panther Branch Natural Area in unincorporated Efland will celebrate its opening on Earth Day, April 22 – the culmination of six years of work by the […]

Panther Branch Natural Area Opens

Apr 1, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News, Press Release

Remembering: John Blackfeather Jeffries

January 30, 2023 by Emily Hill

Interview conducted on March 13, 2019 by Joe Liles at the home of John Blackfeather Jeffries in Hillsborough, NC. From Ribbons of Color Along the Eno River, volume 2. I came into this world in 1939 in Hillsborough, NC where we are sitting right now. All of my family lived around me. You could see […]

Remembering: John Blackfeather Jeffries

Jan 30, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

A Q&A with Author Julie Thomson

January 30, 2023 by Emily Hill

Julie Thomson is a naturalist, certified environmental educator, writer, and lover of the Eno. She enjoys studying and sharing the natural and cultural history of North Carolina and currently resides in the Black Mountain area of the state. Below is an excerpt from an interview with Julie about her recent book, “Saving the Eno River: Margaret Nygard […]

A Q&A with Author Julie Thomson

Jan 30, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Advocacy, Eno River News

Year of the Trail Feature: Buckquarter Creek Trail

January 10, 2023 by Emily Hill

Buckquarter Creek Trail is a popular hiking route along the Eno, featuring ample natural beauty as well as several historical structures. This 1.5-mile loop features both forested and riverside hiking segments, as well as a quick jaunt along a special tributary of the Eno – Buckquarter Creek!  Due to the location of Buckquarter Creek in […]

Year of the Trail Feature: Buckquarter Creek Trail

Jan 10, 2023 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno River Association expands Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

December 20, 2022 by Emily Hill

The Eno River Association announced a 7.5 acres expansion of Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area today via a recent land acquisition. This property is a priority in the Eno River State Park Master Plan given its exceptional Natural Heritage Program Natural Area rating and will help provide habitat and water protection for the Eno River. […]

Eno River Association expands Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area

Dec 20, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News, Press Release

December Black Meadow Ridge Appeal Postponed

December 9, 2022 by Emily Hill

The attorneys for Save Black Meadow Ridge and the developer/owner of the parcel are requesting that Durham’s Board of Adjustment continue our zoning appeal. This extension will allow negotiations to continue between the parties. Our goal remains to preserve and protect the Eno River and its tributaries, and this culturally and naturally rich land adjacent […]

December Black Meadow Ridge Appeal Postponed

Dec 9, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Advocacy, Eno River News

Eno River State Park to Proceed with Hillsborough Expansion

November 29, 2022 by Emily Hill

The Eno River Association is pleased to announce that a project to sell over 200 acres near downtown Hillsborough has received full funding from federal, state, and private sources. Since 2021, the Association has been working to initiate the sale of property owned by Classical American Homes Preservation Trust to The Archaeological Conservancy and the […]

Eno River State Park to Proceed with Hillsborough Expansion

Nov 29, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News, Press Release

Open Air Camp Road Update – November 18, 2022

November 18, 2022 by Emily Hill

We would like to share the following update regarding the properties on Open Air Camp Road. We have tabled the sale of the homes to NC State Parks, and are pursuing professional mediation with the Eno River Tenants Association to find equitable outcomes for the people who live in these homes. We have made mistakes […]

Open Air Camp Road Update – November 18, 2022

Nov 18, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News, Open Air Camp

Reasons to Save Black Meadow Ridge at West Point on the Eno City Park

September 7, 2022 by Emily Hill

I. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ~ 1. Protection of the water quality in a critical watershed area which affects the Eno River, the source of drinking water for Falls Lake reservoir in Raleigh and the future Teer Quarry in Durham. 2. Preservation of the nationally significant Eno River Aquatic Habitat which contains endangered and threatened species, among […]

Reasons to Save Black Meadow Ridge at West Point on the Eno City Park

Sep 7, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Bringing Eno River State Park to Downtown Hillsborough

September 7, 2022 by Emily Hill

The Eno River Association is facilitating the sale of over 200 acres near downtown Hillsborough from Classical American Homes Preservation Trust to the Archaeological Conservancy and the State to be added to Eno River State Park. Once complete, this transaction will increase Eno River State Park to over 4,700 acres in Durham and Orange counties. The […]

Bringing Eno River State Park to Downtown Hillsborough

Sep 7, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno River Association has expanded our Confluence Natural Area!

September 7, 2022 by Emily Hill

The Eno River Association is thrilled to announce two recent land protection efforts that will increase the total area and property buffers at its 200-acre Confluence Natural Area. The Association has purchased nearly 70 acres to the west of the West Fork Eno River and has protected an additional 25 acres with a conservation easement […]

Eno River Association has expanded our Confluence Natural Area!

Sep 7, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Trailside Stewardship Signs

September 7, 2022 by Emily Hill

Join Eno River Association staff and hundreds of community volunteers working year-round to protect natural ecosystems and increase access to natural spaces in the Eno River basin. No matter what your commitment-level, there are opportunities for you! Sign-up to volunteer: Fill out the form and check the box next to Stewardship and Trail Maintenance. You’ll be signed […]

Trailside Stewardship Signs

Sep 7, 2022 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno River Association has Expanded Our Confluence Natural Area!

February 24, 2022 by Kim Livingston

The Eno River Association is thrilled to announce two recent land protection efforts that will increase the total area and property buffers at its 200-acre Confluence Natural Area. The Association has purchased nearly 70 acres to the west of the West Fork Eno River and has protected an additional 25 acres with a conservation easement […]

Eno River Association has Expanded Our Confluence Natural Area!

Feb 24, 2022 · Kim Livingston

Filed Under: Eno River News

Rain Garden & Water Quality Clinic

February 7, 2022 by Kim Livingston

Rain Garden & Water Quality Clinic

Feb 7, 2022 · Kim Livingston

Filed Under: Eno River News

SuperEno

December 15, 2021 by Emily Hill

SuperEno

Dec 15, 2021 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Help us finish 2021 strong!

November 23, 2021 by Emily Hill

Help us finish 2021 strong!

Nov 23, 2021 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno Expands Educational Programming

September 30, 2021 by Emily Hill

Eno Expands Educational Programming

Sep 30, 2021 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

Eno River State Park Construction Update

August 25, 2021 by Emily Hill

Eno River State Park Construction Update

Aug 25, 2021 · Emily Hill

Filed Under: Eno River News

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Eno River Association
4404 Guess Rd.
Durham, NC 27712
(919) 620-9099

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Woodland forms of buffalo and elk once ranged the Woodland forms of buffalo and elk once ranged the mountains and the northwest piedmont in scattered herds. Yet even by the arrival of the early European explorers, their numbers were scarce. Both species were largely eliminated by hunting and indigenous tribes most likely traded these animals on the Great Indian Trading Path. While buffalo were occasionally seen between 1720 and 1750, they were gone by 1765. Elk may have died out even earlier, around 1700. Remnants of the buffalos statewide presence persists in many place names like Buffalo Creek in northern Orange County. Some say that even our earliest roads, deeply carved with curved banks, were buffalo trails. 

📸: Betsy Russell
Text source: 1985 Calendar

[image description: river in winter sunlight with trees and banks dusted in snow]
In 1701, explorer John Lawson wrote that he encoun In 1701, explorer John Lawson wrote that he encountered men with "very long Arrows, headed with pieces of Glass, which they had broken from Bottles. They had shap'd them neatly, like the Head of a Dart; but which way they did it, I can't tell."

It is believed that these projectile points Lawson remarked on were not a slovenly make-shift from broken bottles, but were dexterously chipped from clear quartz, a difficult medium requiring skill. 

If you ever do find artifacts like these at the Eno parklands, record your find with a ranger, but make sure to leave the history undisturbed. 

📸: Holly Reid 
Text source: 1979 Calendar

[image description: circular ripple on still water with reflection of trees]
This month's Year of the Trail highlight is Bobbit This month's Year of the Trail highlight is Bobbitt's Hole Trail! 🌳

Bobbitt's Hole Trail is known for its scenic beauty 🏞️ and offers visitors a chance to explore a gorgeous section of the Eno River. It's an easy trail that is an approximate 1.65 mile loop. The trail takes hikers through a wooded area along the riverbank and leads to Bobbitt's Hole, a picturesque swimming hole in the Eno River. 🏊‍♂️ The trail is accessed via the Cole Mill parking lot at the end of Old Cole Mill Road. 🚗

We hope you visit soon and enjoy your adventure! 🌄 

📸: Fred Myers
[Image Description: A cluster of bright red berries grow on a stalk.]
The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, is The Christmas Fern, Polystichum acrostichoides, is one of the most commonly encountered ferns along the Eno 🌿 In the past, the green leaves were gathered by New England settlers during the Christmas season for greenery indoors. If you look closely, you may be able to see the shape of a Christmas tree in the general outline of the fronds, or perhaps within the shape of each individual leaf, the image of Santa's stocking 🎄🧦 An abundance of these ferns generally indicates a rich, well-drained soil situation where moisture is available for most of the year. 

📸: Duncan Heron
Text source: Ken Moore, ENO Journal, Vol. 4, No. 1, 1976

[image description: green fronds poking out of the snow]
There were once two fording rocks at Cole Mill For There were once two fording rocks at Cole Mill Ford. Old timers used to say that if you could see both rocks, you could walk your horse across. If you were only able to see one, you would have to swim your horse. And if you couldn't see either of the rocks, you would be wise not to cross at all 🪨🐎🌊-- Harry Umstead, Durham 

📸: Dave Cook
Text source: 1973 Calendar 

[image description: water rushes over rocks creating white splashes]
The clock for the Orange County Courthouse was giv The clock for the Orange County Courthouse was given to the town of Hillsborough by George III in 1766. Around the time of the revolutionary war, Cornwallis' troops came to Hillsborough. The people of the town threw the weights and the bell of the clock into the Eno because they were worried the British would melt them down to make bullets. The soldiers couldn't do anything with face of the clock, so that didn't make it into the river. The weights were recovered, but the bell was never found 🔔-- Allen Lloyd, Custodian of the Clock, Hillsborough

📸: Duncan Heron
Text source: 1972 Calendar

[image description: black and white photo of Orange County Courthouse, a brick building with white pillars and a clock tower]
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