Eastern Section UnConference

Join EENC for its first-ever “UnConference” at the stunning Merchants Millpond State Park on January 28th!

What is an UnConference? A loosely structured conference emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas between participants, rather than following a conventionally structured, hierarchical program of events. Participants will be asked to self-identify skills and knowledge that they wish to share with others and a schedule will be determined in real-time based on submissions! This year’s theme is “Teach & Learn: How I Do It.”

Registration includes lunch (gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available) from nearby “Julia’s Subs & More.”

Located in Gates County 10 miles south of North Carolina's northeastern border with Virginia, Merchants Millpond State Park centers on a 760-acre millpond more than 190 years old. Hiking the surrounding trails or paddling the placid, shallow waters of the pond offer a great way to explore this wetland environment. Old-growth cypress trees adorned with Spanish moss create an "enchanted forest," particularly at Lassiter Swamp. Visitors have even spotted the American alligator here, at the northernmost point of its range.

Read more about Merchants Millpond State Park

. The event will take place in the park’s indoor visitor center auditorium and classroom, with some breakout sessions occurring in outdoor spaces (weather depending). Pathways to and from the park’s visitor center are paved and are ADA accessible. The nearby Cypress Point Trail (gravel) is also ADA accessible. Though there is a certain amount of spontaneity to an UnConference, we will aim for the range of activities to be accessible to varying levels of fitness levels and abilities. Male and female restrooms are available. A gender neutral restroom is available upon request (please indicate in your registration submission).

Registration closes 5 pm on Monday, January 23.