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 a million residents and visitors each year. Yet, urban development, population growth, and climate change are drastically impacting the vitality of these natural and cultural gems.
Since 1966, the Eno River Association has been a champion for these two watersheds. To face these growing challenges, the association embarked on a year-long process to create a proactive, data-informed, community-driven model for prioritizing future protection efforts. The Strategic Conservation Plan for the Eno River and Little River watersheds identifies the areas in the watershed that are a top priority for maintaining ecological stability, climate resiliency, and recreational and cultural amenities.
The Eno River Association and Innovation Resources Group worked together over the course of a year to develop the plan. The process began with assessment and review of existing conservation plans and data analysis of the entire Eno River basin. The teams also conducted extensive engagement of the community and conservation partners through surveying, feedback sessions, and interviews.
These initial steps provided the basis for the creation of a geographic information system (GIS) model that translated the collected data and community input into actionable conservation targets. That model identified 574 parcels of land – over 15,000 acres – that are top priorities for future conservation. These parcels include those with ecological and recreational potential, those with cultural and historical significance, and those whose protection would provide under-resourced and socially vulnerable communities with flood mitigation and enhanced resilience.
“Our prioritization model reflects the unique demands of our surrounding communities, as well as the history and legacy of the association’s work to provide our communities recreational, historical, and cultural benefits,” shared Kim Livingston, interim executive director and director of conservation and stewardship for the association. “In addition to ecological needs, we prioritized specific community feedback around flood mitigation, park and open space creation, and environmental justice goals.”
Livingston continued by sharing that this community-based approach will not stop now that the plan has been created. The association will host workshops, surveys, and forums to continue to gather insights into the needs and aspirations of the community. The plan includes an Integrated Conservation and Community Resilience Initiative, a cornerstone recommendation that outlines a participatory approach to ongoing plan implementation and adaptation.
“Eno River Association has always been responsive to community feedback, and this initiative cements the expectations to continue this tradition,” added Livingston. “Through this participatory approach, we seek to weave local knowledge, values, and visions into the very fabric of conservation planning.”
Born from the collective will of concerned citizens in 1966, the Eno River Association’s inception marked the beginning of a mission to protect and celebrate the unique natural, cultural, and historical treasures these watersheds harbor. Over the years, the association has helped save land, protect waterways, and start educational programs to teach people about the importance of these rivers. Over 7,800 acres of land has been permanently preserved, nearly 40 miles of stream and river frontage protected, and seven public parks and natural areas have been opened for recreation and relaxation.
The Eno and Little River watersheds embody the spirit of the community, representing a natural legacy that the Eno River Association, along with local residents and stakeholders, is committed to preserving for future generations. This shared commitment forms the foundation of a collective effort to safeguard these precious watersheds, ensuring they continue to flourish and inspire. The Strategic Conservation Plan provides a roadmap for the next ten years of this work. Learn more and explore the plan here.
About the Eno River Association
Eno River Association is an accredited land trust and watershed nonprofit founded in 1966 with a mission to protect the natural, historical, and cultural resources of the Eno River basin in northern Durham and Orange counties. It has protected 7,800 acres of natural and working lands and has helped create seven local, state, and regional nature parks, including Eno River State Park, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area, West Point on the Eno City Park, Penny’s Bend Nature Preserve, Little River Regional Park, and the Confluence Natural Area. The association continues to acquire land and secure easements, as well as provide stewardship, education programs, and events like the annual Festival for the Eno to inspire others to prioritize our local, natural resources.
