Eno River Association

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New Membership Structure and Benefits: A Guide

by Eno River Association

Two ERA staff looking at a new quilt by Carol Gunther-Mohr. The quilt is made up of colorful fabric stitched together with photos of the Eno. On it, a haiku reads: "boots navigate roots, glimpse of blue heron glides downstream, simple solitude." The artwork was created for the Eno River Association's introduction of the Blue Heron Society as a part of their new membership structure and benefits.
ERA staff holding up an art quilt by Carol Gunther-Mohr outside Robin L. Jacobs Pavilion, 2025. Photograph by Samiha Bala.

2025 has been a year of change. Resilience is not measured in how steadfastly we stand against change but in how we adapt to the seasons and challenges in which we find ourselves. As we approach the end of the year and reflect on that theme, we are excited to announce a revamped membership structure and benefits!

What’s new? The Eno River Association now has three distinct tiers of membership, with new perks at each level.

Friends of the Eno

Our most accessible tier of giving, Friends of the Eno is a membership designed for individuals wishing to make a generous commitment to the Eno River Association. For just $5/month or $60/year*, you’ll get access to all of the following perks:

An invitation to our Annual Meeting each fall, a members-only event

A members-only newsletter with behind-the-scenes updates

Exclusive discounts from our store

Just in time for the holidays, this membership makes a great present for any little naturalists you want to follow in your footsteps!

*To make membership accessible, a reduced rate of $2.50/month or $30/year is available by request.

Wildflower Society

The Wildflower Society recognizes supporters with a strong commitment to environmental conservation who have the capacity to contribute at a higher level. Those who give $1,000 or more to the Eno River Association help to sustain our work to build resilience in the Eno watershed. We have four different tiers within the Wildflower Society, with additional benefits at each level.

Trillium ($1,000 – $2,499) As a Trillium member, you get all the benefits of being a Friend of the Eno along with additional recognition in our Annual Report, an invitation to an exclusive pre-Annual Meeting Happy Hour, and access to special Eno River Merch.

Crested Iris ($2,500 – $4,999) All Trillium benefits + an invitation to private guided wildflower hike

Lady’s Slipper ($5,000 – $9,999) All Crested Iris benefits + a complimentary Eno River calendar and an invitation to a private land stewardship event

Blazing Star ($10,000 and up) All Lady’s Slipper benefits + lunch with our Executive Director and the opportunity for recognition in select natural areas

Blue Heron Society

Perhaps most momentous of all, the Eno River Association is introducing the brand-new Blue Heron Society, a way to honor those that choose to include the Eno in their estate plans, finding ways to care for the Eno even beyond their lifetime.

At our Annual Meeting this fall, Eno River Association members celebrated the introduction of the Blue Heron Society with a Chantilly cake and the auction of a gorgeous quilt by Carol Gunther-Mohr. Carol printed photos she took of the Eno onto fabric and quilted them together, alongside an original haiku:

Boots navigate roots
Glimpse of blue heron glides downstream
Simple solitude

Thank you, Carol, for this stunning donation.

We hope that you will consider joining the Blue Heron Society and ensure that your legacy will protect the Eno and all who love it for generations to come.

Close-up of haiku on art quilt by Carol Gunther-Mohr. Reads "boots navigate roots, glimpse of blue heron glides downstream, simple solitude." The artwork was created for the Eno River Association's introduction of the Blue Heron Society as a part of their new membership structure and benefits.
Note on the back of art quilt by Carol Gunther-Mohr. Reads: "Eno Haiku - This art quilt was created by Carol Gunther-Mohr for the Eno River Association to support its work to protect the river. Donated in October 2025." The artwork was created for the Eno River Association's introduction of the Blue Heron Society as a part of their new membership structure and benefits.

Giving Options

Whether you give monthly, annually, or through a legacy gift, your contribution strengthens our shared mission to conserve and care for this beloved watershed. Thank you for your steadfast support.

Make a one-time donation
Pledge a monthly gift
Learn more about planned giving

For more ways to give, visit EnoRiver.org/donate.

Questions? Please reach out by emailing development@enoriver.org or calling 919-620-9099 ext. 207.