Charting the Next Ten Years of Conservation
The Eno River Association and Innovation Resources Group worked together to develop our Strategic Conservation Plan for the Eno River and Little River watersheds. Find our interactive story map here. Below is a summary of the findings.
Mapping Priority Parcels through Data and Feedback
After a year of data gathering and community engagement, a geographic information system (GIS) model was developed to translate 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 conservation.
- 90 parcels essential for critical ecosystem connectivity and resilience
- 62 parcels within socially vulnerable census tracts where protection will enhance community resilience
- 35 parcels significant for preserving Piedmont Prairie ecosystems
- 47 parcels with valuable cultural and historical importance
- 85 community-identified open spaces
- 14 flood mitigation opportunities
- 241 strategic conservation opportunities for parcels with ecological and recreational potential
Effective conservation cannot occur in isolation from those it impacts most directly. At the heart of our conservation plan lies the Integrated Conservation and Community Resilience Initiative, a cornerstone recommendation that shapes our vision and strategies moving forward. Through a participatory approach that welcomes community engagement at every turn, we seek to weave local knowledge, values, and visions into the very fabric of conservation planning. We will invite community members to partake in workshops, surveys, and forums to continue to gather crucial insights into the needs and aspirations of our Eno neighbors.
Phased Approach to Conservation
An actionable plan requires continued engagement to achieve our results. The work of our staff, partners, and volunteers can be directed across these four phases.
Phase One: Planning and Community Engagement
Building a resilient, adaptive plan requires deep, ongoing community engagement. Strategic partnerships, inclusive outreach, and local conservation ambassador recruitment will help amplify our initiatives and ensure all voices are heard.
Phase Two: Aquisition and Protection
Phase two is about action—acquiring and protecting the priority parcels that embody the ecological, social, and cultural richness of the watersheds. By prioritizing lands through a lens of resilience and community equity, we will ensure that each conservation effort is a step toward a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Phase Three: Access and Stewardship Development
As lands are conserved, this phase enhances community access and fosters stewardship through trail development, recreational areas expansion, educational programs, and community stewardship. This phase is about transformation, turning conserved areas into vibrant hubs of recreation, education, and ecological learning.
Phase Four: Ongoing Management and Evaluation
This final phase ensures sustainability and adaptability. Continuous learning and risk mitigation strategies will help refine each parcel’s conservation efforts over time. Furthermore, this phase focuses on strengthening our organization to continue being a beacon of conservation and community resilience.
A Legacy of Conservation and Advocacy
For almost 60 years, the Eno River Association has worked hard to protect the Eno and Little River areas. It started in 1966 when a group of neighbors came together to keep these special places safe. Since then, the Association has been on a mission to celebrate and protect the nature, culture, and history found in these rivers.
Over the years, the Eno River 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.
Looking ahead, we are ready to face new challenges like urban development, environmental injustice, and climate change with creative ideas and actions. This will take the help of many partners: government groups, non-profits, and the community.
You play a crucial role! With your continued involvement, the Eno and Little River areas will stay vibrant and resilient, loved and protected for many years to come! We invite you to join us in the next steps of this exciting effort:
