Dear Friends,
Refreshed by the spring thaw, the Eno River meanders through the landscape, invigorating the surrounding woods and wetlands. Meanwhile, the Confluence Natural Area comes alive as the season unfolds in vibrant color. This 270-acre preserve, once farmland dating back to the late 1700s, is now a haven for nature lovers and a sanctuary for rare plant species. With over five miles of trails, visitors can hike through vibrant forests, picnic by the river, or explore the remnants of an old mill—tracing the deep roots of this land’s history. The Confluence is also home to a section of the river designated as a Nationally Significant Natural Heritage Area, where delicate ecosystems continue to thrive.
This year, we are embarking on exciting new projects to restore and enhance the Eno for both wildlife and visitors. These include three projects at the Confluence Natural Area:
Prairie Conversion
We are transforming 16 acres into a Piedmont prairie, an ecosystem once prevalent in this region, historically maintained by fire and grazing. This restoration will provide essential habitat for pollinators, birds, and native plants that have been lost from our landscape.
Reforestation
On a newly expanded portion of the Confluence, we are planting
native trees to restore a former agricultural field, creating a future forest that will protect water quality, sequester carbon, and provide shelter for wildlife.
Accessible Trail
We are in the early planning stages of converting Rocky Water Path into an accessible trail, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Eno while navigating with wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
These projects will help shape a healthier, more inclusive, and ecologically vibrant future for the Eno River—but we can’t do it without you.
With your support, we can continue to protect and restore the Eno’s landscapes. A one-time gift will help fund critical restoration work this year, while a monthly sustaining donation provides ongoing resources to ensure long-term conservation and stewardship.
Join us in this season of renewal. Make your gift today and be a part of growing the future of the Eno.
make your gift today
Photo by Susan Reeves
