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Registration is open!
Friends of State Parks Conference
Haw River State Park
October 23-25, 2026
The 2026 FSP Conference is an opportunity to gather and learn about ways we can support the North Carolina State Park system. Sessions and presentations will engage park users, enthusiasts, and state leadership in current events, building partnerships, and utilizing resources in the most effective way.
Haw River State Park – The Summit Environmental Education and Conference Center
located at 339 Conference Center Drive Browns Summit, NC 27214.
Conference Schedule at a Glance
Find the full detailed schedule here!
If you have specific questions about the conference, please email Cynthia Peedin.
Friday, Oct. 23 - Networking and Kick-off 3 p.m. Check-in, for those staying on-site and Registration table opens 5:30 p.m. Official kick-off and welcome, social time 6:15 p.m. Dinner, Eastern NC BBQ with sides and a vegetarian option 7:15 p.m. Keynote Speaker, Adam Combs of Waypoint Adventure | Saturday, Oct. 24 - Official Conference Day 7:00 a.m. Birding with Jesse Pope and Brian Strong 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Welcome 9:45 a.m. Stronger Connections, Stronger Parks: A conversation with State Leadership Speaker Director of State Parks, Brian Strong 11:00 a.m. Park Partners: Turning Community Collaborations into Impact- Speakers: Avery Orren: Friends of Carvers Creek State Park,Greg Schneider-FSP Board of Directors, and Fred Schachter- Friends of Hammocks Beach and FSP Board of Directors 1:30 p.m. Keeping it Real: Friends Groups' Successes, Challenges, and Lessons Learned Speakers: Steve Pagano- Friends of Gorges State Park, Michelle Leonard-FSP Executive Director, and Dan Smith-Friends of Lake Waccamaw 2:45 p.m. People Power: Recruiting, Engaging, and Keeping Great Volunteers Speakers: Halle Talcott- Division of State Parks Volunteer Coordinator, Donna Alexander- Friends of Sauratown Mountains 4:15 p.m. Friends Helping Friends: Resources, Tools, and Tips that Work 5:30 p.m. Closing Remarks | Sunday, Oct. 25 - Board and Annual Members Meet 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 10 a.m. FSP Board of Directors Meeting and Annual Members Meeting 2 p.m. Meeting adjourns |
Who can attend?
Local Friends groups, FSP members and/or anyone interested in becoming more involved with Friends of State Parks.
If you're a FSP Chapter and looking for financial assistance, please email Cynthia@ncfsp.org.
Registration is open!
Early Bird Pricing ---------- Friday only: $25 Saturday only with meals: $80 Full Conference without lodging: $110 Full Conference with lodging: $300 Full Conference with lodging-double occupancy:$410 | Regular Pricing ---------- Friday only: $25 Saturday only with meals: $110 Full Conference without lodging: $160 Full Conference with lodging: $350 Full Conference with lodging-double occupancy: $510 |