The staff of Eno River Association hanging out on the banks of the Eno River, Durham, North Carolina. Photo by Caroline Gilmore, www.carolinegilmore.com
Since 1966 Eno River Association has worked to actively protect and conserve the natural, historical and cultural resources of the Eno River basin in North Carolina. First accredited in 2010, they have successfully navigated the renewal process twice. They have protected 7,500 acres which are largely contained in six public parks and natural areas. The provide many programs and activities in the community, including the Festival of Eno, where they host thousands of people for a celebration of the region!
Q: How has Eno River Association benefited from being an accredited organization?
A: The Eno River Association has a rich history in our community, dating back to 1966 as a grassroots environmental advocacy organization working to preserve and protect the natural, historical and cultural resources in the Eno River basin in North Carolina. As the years went on, it was of great value to our staff, board, donors and members that we strive for and achieve accreditation through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission to further solidify ourselves as a professional organization. As one of several land trusts working in this Triangle region of North Carolina, we wanted to ensure our organization was and remains relevant and reputable.
Q: What did Eno River Association consider before deciding to renew accreditation?
A: Here at the Eno River Association, we considered the day-to-day and big-picture benefits of both the accreditation process and ultimately being accredited, as well as the costs of the process to become reaccredited. It is important to recognize that there are significant financial costs and outlays of staff time to complete the process. Ultimately, we are proud to bear the seal of accreditation and knew it was valuable to uphold our accreditation status.
Stewardship can be fun! Removing invasive plants along the Holden Mill Trail, Eno River, NC.Q: What surprised you about going through the renewal process?
A: I'm not sure there were surprises, however there were moments of great satisfaction as we recognized and appreciated that the land acquisition, land stewardship and business operating systems we had set up to follow were in good order. Our staff and board policies needed their regular renewals, certainly, and it was affirming to have everything fall into place through the reaccreditation process.
Q: What resources were most helpful as Eno River Association prepared for was in the renewal process?
A: The online resources provided by the Commission were tremendously useful, as was a phone call our staff had with Commission staff early on in the process. It was deeply reassuring to speak with someone about our particular organization and specific application questions, before we dove into the online application system. Developing a relationship with the Commission staff is of great value to the process.
Q: What has been the biggest success that you attribute to being accredited?
A: Being accredited affords us the opportunity to apply for funding opportunities that would not otherwise be available. Second to that, I would say that we are receiving recognition and attention from a wider range of potential individual members and potential organization partners because we are part of this nationally recognized cohort of accredited land trusts.
Thank you to Eno River Association for sharing their accreditation story. Are you interested in sharing your story with the Commission? Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
