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 over the last year and a half that it piqued my curiosity: Duncan Heron. When I interviewed for the job at ERA, I joked during the staff interview that I’m so old that I use my iPhone… as a telephone. So, true to form, several weeks ago I summoned the courage to call Duncan and leave a message to introduce myself and request a meeting. It should not shock you to learn that my call was promptly returned.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with Duncan at his apartment in Croasdaile Village with ERA’s Director of Education and Engagement, Hillary Harrison. Surrounded by beautiful pictures of the Eno River and Duncan’s various adventures, we enjoyed a warm muffin as Duncan shared his wealth of knowledge about the Association’s history. From meeting Margaret Nygard while paddling in his canoe near Cole Mill Road to the formation of the Eno River State Park and West Point on the Eno, Duncan happily shared his recollections of the early days of the Association. I came with a long list of questions, none of which I asked, largely because Duncan did not need the prompts. He held court for almost an hour and a half and my only regret was not planning the visit for a full two hours. Or more. What an extraordinary man and a true treasure.
My visit with Duncan reminded me that those that ignore history are doomed to repeat it, and that much of the Eno River’s history was written by supporters and volunteers that felt called to protect a space that has meant so much to so many. As the Triangle struggles to balance smart growth with good environmental policy, data centers with clean drinking water, our challenges have evolved with the times. But make no mistake, it is often you and your voice that is the difference between victory and failure when it comes to protecting the Eno.
I am thankful for Duncan Heron, Margaret Nygard and the many individuals that “saved” the Eno River in the early years of the Association. I hope that you will join me in protecting the river for another sixty years and beyond.
In thanks,
