Press Releases

N.C. Trails Committee Awards Over $1.24 Million in Federal Grants, Recommends Designations for Access Points on State Paddle Trails

At its December meeting, the North Carolina Trails Committee selected 13 trail development projects and five safety and education projects to receive matching federal grants, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

Mountain Gateway Museum Opens Temporary Location

The Mountain Gateway Museum has opened to the public at its temporary location at

399 Sea Turtles Rescued, Rehabilitated and Released Thanks to Community Partnerships

The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island has rehabilitated and released 399 sea turtles with the aid of several long-standing community partnerships on the Outer Banks.

Friends of Fort Fisher Receives $75,000 Grant from the PNC Foundation to Support Immersive Educational Resource

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources has received a $75,000 award through a grant from the PNC Foundation to Friends of Fort Fisher.

Plymouth Civil War Massacre to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

A Confederate attack on U.S. troops in eastern North Carolina in April 1864 that led to killing of Black soldiers and civilians will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

State Parks Projects Awarded Over $7.6 Million from Parks and Recreation Trust Fund

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced that the Parks and Recreation Authority has awarded over $7.6 million from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for state parks projects for fiscal year 2024-25.

Vance Birthplace State Historic Prepares to Reopen Following Hurricane Helene

The grounds and visitors center at Vance Birthplace State Historic Site will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 10, more than two months after the site was closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The site will resume regular operating hours, which are Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

North Carolina FFA Association Honored with 2024 North Carolina Rural Leadership Award

The North Carolina FFA Association received the 2024 Larry Wooten Rural Leadership Award, presented by Governor Roy Cooper and Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler at a Dec. 3 reception at the North Carolina State Capitol. Special recognition was given to Bruce L.

Thomas Wolfe Memorial Prepares to Welcome Visitors Following Hurricane Helene Damage and Closure

The Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site will reopen to the public on Tuesday, Dec. 10, more than two months after the site was forced to close in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Receives $114,500 from North Carolina Land and Water Fund

The North Carolina Division of State Historic Sites has been awarded $114,500 to acquire five acres of land adjacent to the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site.