In 1897, Robert Eastham, one of Canaan Valley’s original settlers, shot and killed Frank Thompson, a timber company executive from Davis — in a railroad passenger car in Parsons, in front of 25 witnesses. Eastham claimed self-defense, but the prosecution said it was a set-up. What did the jury think – and why was blood […]
Protecting the Blackwater Canyon and Allegheny Highlands
We are building a circle of love and protection around the landscapes and communities that we cherish.
Friends of Blackwater works to protect and promote natural beauty, diverse creatures, unique heritage, and the outdoor recreation economy in the Mid-Atlantic Allegheny Highlands -- home to the magnificent, 10,000-acre Blackwater Canyon – West Virginia’s “Scenic Crown Jewel.” Our professional staff and grass-roots citizen advocacy are a strong force for responsible conservation and sustainable progress in the Highlands. Join us!
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You can get the March newsletter by clicking the button below, or visit the newsletter archive to catch up on previous issues.
Upcoming Events
Connect with Friends of Blackwater at these upcoming special events
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Friends of Blackwater is a 501(c)3 non-profit working to protect the Blackwater Canyon and Allegheny Highlands region
Projects
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Latest News
Keep up with Friends of Blackwater!
State Park Spotlight: Bluestone
Bluestone State Park is home to Bluestone Lake, the third largest body of water in the state. The huge lake is formed by a dam on the New River, which was built in the 1940s. Construction was begun in 1942, but suspended during World War II, so it wasn’t finished until 1948. Almost immediately people […]
History Lecture: Shootout at the Depot
In 1897, Robert Eastham, one of Canaan Valley’s original settlers, shot and killed Frank Thompson, a timber company executive from Davis — in a railroad passenger car in Parsons, in front of 25 witnesses. Eastham claimed self-defense, but the prosecution said it was a set-up. What did the jury think – and why was blood […]
Meet our new watershed manager!
Hi supporters of FoB! My name is Emmie Cornell and I am brand new to WV, but I love it already. I grew up in Chattanooga, TN and graduated in 2018 from Berry College in Rome, GA with a biology degree and botany/conservation concentrations. During my summers at home in Tennessee, I interned with TennesSEA […]
Friends of Blackwater
Caring and courageous people are the key to effective environmental stewardship. These people and their stories are a part of Friends of Blackwater.
Friends of Ginny!
Purdue University scientist Elizabeth Flaherty, and her graduate student are learning important new information about the diet of "Ginny", the West Virginia Flying Squirrel.
Blackwater Volunteers
These energetic volunteers are upgrading historic sites in the Blackwater Canyon.
J.R. Clifford
West Virginia’s first African American attorney, who won a historic victory for equality in education. (1848-1933)
Dr. Tom Pauley
Dr. Pauley has studied the endangered Cheat Mountain salamander for 40 years, while raising up new generations of skilled biologists.
Brianna All
Brianna All spent a summer deep in the Monongahela National Forest, monitoring the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel.
