Dear Friends of the Eno,
As we approach the end of 2025, I find myself pulled by dual desires. As one thing approaches its end, I tend to reminisce about its beginning while also harboring excitement about everything that lies on the horizon. Like many of you, I will be hard at work through much of December, but I find myself craving the time off with friends and family that the holidays will provide. As I look out my window at the leafless trees against a steely gray sky, I am reminded that we are all creatures of the natural world and that we all need time for rest and renewal.
When I think of 2025, I will remember the thrill and excitement of starting in my role at ERA. The newness and twinge of anxiety in doing everything for the first time. I will be thankful for Kim Livingston, Reema Garabadu, our donors, our partners, and our Land & Stewardship Committee for making the Occoneechee Speedway transfer to the State Park a reality. I’ll remember the frenetic blur of the Festival and praying for good weather. And I’ll remember the day after the Festival and the destruction wrought by Chantal. The outpouring of support post-Chantal confirmed for me, once again, that we live in an amazing community exemplified by compassion, generosity, and fortitude.
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. One component of this conversation is a desire to educate our community about the drivers for water quality and to investigate partnerships that will allow us to use ERA supporters to assist with regular water sampling of the river. We hope to formalize a partnership soon and to share sampling results through the ERA website to inform the community about current conditions. We’ll also be going through our Land Trust Alliance reaccreditation process. While “exciting” might be a stretch for reaccreditation, being accredited is roughly akin to the Good Housekeeping “Seal of Approval” in the land trust world and it demonstrates that the agency is operating in a manner that continues to make us worthy of your trust.
Every accredited land trust completes a rigorous review process to demonstrate its fiscal accountability, strong organizational leadership, sound transactions and lasting stewardship of the lands it conserves.
Land Trust Alliance
Between looking backward and planning for the future, I’d also like to be deliberate about being present. I am so thankful to be in this role with this exceptional team, both board and staff, growing and protecting a place that is precious to you, me, and our entire community. In this season of giving, please don’t forget to support ERA with a financial gift to help ensure our success in 2026 and beyond. Thank you for helping us make our mission a reality. I wish you and your family a holiday season filled with laughter and joy. See you in 2026!
Sincerely,
Ryan J. Fehrman
