I wanted to thank you all for getting the kids from Neighborhood Ecology Corps (N.E.C.) out to Merchant’s Millpond! We had such a wonderful time!

 Here’s a short recap:

On the night we arrived, Ranger Ben took us on an evening hike where we learned the calls of various nocturnal animals. Later, we ate s’mores and slept in the outdoor classroom. In the morning, we had a blast canoeing with Ranger Joy, Ranger Ben, Ranger Sean, & Boss in “the swamp of our dreams”. At the start of the trek, the kids were zig-zagging all over the pond, but by the end, they knew how to follow with great skill. After lunch, Ranger Joy took us on a tour of the visitor center where we learned about the various wildlife at the park. The day ended with some journaling.

Because of your support, these kids were able to have many firsts:

None of them had ever visited Merchant’s Millpond State Park.

For some, this was their first time sleeping outside and going on a night hike.

Many had never been canoeing before, and for those that had, they increased their paddling skills!

Again, thank you for making this trip possible! 

Jennifer Fenwick

Interpretation & Education Assistant

North Carolina State Parks

(352) 561-1170 

jennifer.fenwick@ncparks.gov