Press Releases

North Carolina's Natural Heritage Program proudly announces the completion of the "Classification of the Natural Communities of North Carolina," a comprehensive guidebook that serves as a definitive resource for ecologists, researchers, and conservationists.Available for free online, the PDF version can be accessed at: https://www.ncnhp.org/classification-natural-communities-north-carolina-4th-approximation

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced today that Hap Fatzinger has been chosen as director for the North Carolina Aquariums Division. Fatzinger will take over the role Jan. 15, and follows the departure of Maylon White, who retired in June after leading the division since 2019.

Beginning June 15, 2024, most campsites in the North Carolina state parks system will have a check-in time of 3 p.m. and a check-out time of 12 p.m., the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.

The North Carolina Zoo, nestled in the heart of North Carolina, is world-renowned as an oasis for families, nature enthusiasts, and conservation advocates alike. With its diverse array of animal habitats, interactive programs, and immersive naturalistic design, the Zoo captivates audiences from all walks of life, as evidenced by the Zoo’s latest milestone: exceeding one million guests in a calendar year.

To celebrate the season of giving, the North Carolina Zoo is delighted to announce a December promotion to give back to the community: Jingle in the Jungle! From Dec. 18-22, all general admission is $5 for entry to the North Carolina Zoo. No other discounts apply; in-person sales only (no online reservations).

An annual nationwide tradition continues on Jan. 1, 2024, as North Carolina joins other states in offering First Day Hikes at state parks, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced.Fresh off celebrating the Year of the Trail, North Carolina state parks will host more than 50 staff-led hikes to showcase the wonders of the Great Trails State. Visitors can choose from easy and short strolls on relatively flat trails to long excursions across mountainous landscapes.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) announced today that it is partnering with the Town of Canton on the downtown Canton Recreation Park. The $100,000 investment from DNCR will help fund an inclusive playground at the 10.5-acre park with accessible, all-abilities features, including wheelchair access, braille signage, American Sign Language and sensory features.

The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources is pleased to announce that two districts and 15 individual properties across the state have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The following properties were reviewed by the North Carolina National Register Advisory Committee and subsequently nominated by the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Officer and forwarded to the Keeper of the National Register for consideration for listing in the National Register.

The North Carolina Zoo is heartbroken to announce the untimely death of Fenn, the beloved six-month-old giraffe calf, whose birth and presence at the Zoo delighted individuals around the world. A grief counselor has been brought in to support staff members as they navigate the emotions associated with this tragic loss.

The N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation announced end-of-year funding today totaling more than $13 million that will benefit both local and state parks through federal and state funds.The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority has approved $3.45 million in land acquisition and $3.5 million in capital improvement projects for state parks across the state. The $6.95 million in combined funding is a portion of the annual allocation for state parks from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.