Eno River Association
Protect. Advocate. Learn.
The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. Eno River Association (ERA) is pleased to announce it is applying for renewal of accreditation. A public comment period is now open. The Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the […]
October Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, Late this summer, a celebration of life took my wife, daughter, and me over the Appalachian mountains into Johnson City, Tennessee. Although it was a sad occasion, we were feeling upbeat because of the chance to see our brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew whom we love and […]
Eno River Association (ERA) is excited to announce that we have begun Phase 1 of a project to transform Rocky Water Path—also known by its Saponi language name, Niste:kmaniątcóx—at the Confluence Natural Area into a Universal Accessible Trail (UAT)! Today, ERA doesn’t offer trails designed to accommodate visitors who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs […]
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 […]
September Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, During a year in which change and uncertainty have been the only true constants, it’s been impossible to ignore the gravity of guiding such a beloved organization through the landscape of transition. For almost half a century, the Festival for the Eno—well-steeped in riverside folk-and-local traditions—has shaped […]
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 […]
August Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, I have seen in my short time at ERA that certain names come up over and over again in the Association’s sixty year history – Margaret Nygard, George Pyne, Jean Anderson, and Dave Cook, just to name a few. I have seen another name mentioned enough times […]
Despite the recent torrential rains, we are currently experiencing the second-dryest year in North Carolina since 1895. This exceptional drought is one of many effects of climate change that will continue to change the landscape of the Eno River valley. How we deal with climate change and its effects can take multiple forms, and land […]
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 […]
July Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, In the Fehrman household, summer is a time for exploration and adventure. In that vein, this month I am excited to share more about two recent events, both hosted by ERA partners, that helped us reconnect with the Eno and come together as a team. The first […]
June Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, One of the things that I have always tried to be deliberate about is to plan ahead and to schedule events, gatherings, and excursions that I know will bring me joy. I think it’s important to always have some things in the calendar that you’re looking forward […]
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 […]
May Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, In the spring of last year, I had the pleasure of chatting with former Eno River State Park Superintendent Dave Cook about all things Eno. One of the things that Dave shared has stuck with me: “the best way to protect the Eno is to protect the […]
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 […]
April Director’s Message Dear Friends, This is one of my favorite times of year. The air is hazy with the warmth and promise of new life. Everything is in bloom. Nature seems to be absolutely exploding around us. There is a real energy to the season that is almost audible. As I think about what […]
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 […]
March Director’s Message Dear Friends, On July 6th, 2025, literally the day after the conclusion of the 46th annual Festival for the Eno, tropical depression Chantal passed through the Triangle, leaving record flooding in its wake. While the impacts to ERA’s preserves were relatively minor, the flooding displaced many of our neighbors, closed local businesses, […]
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 […]
February Director’s Message Dear Friends of the Eno, February marks the celebration of Black History Month and I wanted to focus my message this month on acknowledging the significance of Black history as it relates to the Eno River Valley and share more about how race continues to impact our work today. My experience doing […]
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 […]
As I look forward to 2026, I am energized by the road ahead. The ERA will be celebrating its 60th anniversary, sharing memories, accomplishments, and images throughout the year to recognize the many people that have contributed to our history. We are also planning to update our strategic plan to cover the next three years and to create a blueprint for our work through 2028.
