State Parks News

This page lists all state parks news releases and blogs. Use the dropdown to filter by park or section.

Bryan Wilder Named Superintendent at Elk Knob State Park

Elk Knob State Park, Operations, Mountain Region
Bryan Wilder has been promoted as the superintendent of Elk Knob State Park in Watauga County.

First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon Join NC State Parks to Celebrate New Native Plants Policy

Jockeys Ridge State Park, Natural Resources, Coastal Plain Region
Jockey's Ridge State Park is celebrating Native Plants Week 2023 with a visit from First Lady Kristin Cooper, Audubon North Carolina, and Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Reid Wilson.

Avis Promoted to Lead NC State Parks' South District

Carvers Creek State Park, Crowders Mountain State Park, Jones Lake State Park, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area, Lake Norman State Park, Lake Waccamaw State Park, Lumber River State Park, Morrow Mountain State Park, Raven Rock State Park, Singletary Lake State Park, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, Operations, Coastal Plain Region, Piedmont Region
M. Scott Avis has been named as the new south district superintendent, overseeing 11 parks in the North Carolina state parks system.

State Parks Prescribed Burner of the Year Awarded to Ranger Anderson, Carolina Beach State Park Staff

Carolina Beach State Park, Natural Resources, Operations
The annual award was presented at the North Carolina Prescribed Fire Council annual conference in Wilmington.

N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation Seeks Public Input on Pisgah View State Park Master Plan

Pisgah View State Park, Planning
The Division is hosting a series of public information meetings to seek public input on the future of North Carolina's newest state park.

Gorges State Park to Host 2nd Annual Mountain Monarch Festival

Gorges State Park, Interpretation and Education, Natural Resources
The state park is in the migratory path of the butterfly's annual migration to Mexico.

Friends of Jockey's Ridge Hires Sallie Bowman as Executive Director

Jockeys Ridge State Park
Bowman was selected by a unanimous vote of the friends group's board of directors.

Office of State Archaeology to Hold Rescheduled Town Hall Meeting in Swansboro Sept. 14

Hammocks Beach State Park, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Interpretation and Education, Land Protection and Acquisition, Natural Resources
The Office of State Archaeology is holding a town hall meeting to discuss a federally funded project that will conduct survey and research at Hammocks Beach State Park.

N.C. State Parks Division Announces 'Complete the Trails' Program Grants for Land Acquisition Projects

Planning, Recreation Grants and Outreach, Trails Program
The Division awarded more than $3 million in grants for 13 projects for state trails.

Ranger Jake Vitak Recognized by DPR Interpretation and Education Council

Hammocks Beach State Park, Interpretation and Education
Ranger Jake Vitak at Hammocks Beach State Park was recognized by the Division for his exemplary efforts in providing a kayak safety course as part of a partnership with the American Canoe Association and several other agencies.

Eno River State Park Opens New Visitor Center

Eno River State Park, Engineering and Construction, Interpretation and Education
Funded by the NC Connect Bond, the new visitor center at Fews Ford Access offers engaging exhibits, electric vehicle charging, and a gorgeous back deck overlooking the riverine environment.

State Parks Announces Recent Additions to Operations Staff

Operations
Two state parks veterans were promoted, and a new staff member has joined the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation's operations section. Kristen Woodruff has been named as the parks chief ranger and John Privette as the law enforcement specialist, while the division recently welcomed Jenn Steele as the safety consultant.

Nealson Joins Stanley to Lead Kerr Lake State Recreation Area

Kerr Lake State Recreation Area, Operations, Piedmont Region
Keith Nealson has been named a park superintendent at Kerr Lake State Recreation Area in Vance and Warren counties.

Brian Strong Named Director of North Carolina State Parks

Office of the Director

Brian Strong, a 23-year veteran of the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation, has been named director of the division by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Nature's Trailblazers: The Powerful Impact of the North Carolina State Parks Internship Program

Raleigh Office, Administration, Marketing and Communications, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, And Access, Operations, Various State Parks
Interns are making the most of their internship experience at the NC Division of Parks and Recreation.