A newly installed historic marker helps connect the town of Hendricks to the larger story of the Western Maryland Railroad, which passed through the Blackwater Canyon and linked the towns along its route. We want to celebrate this new historic marker with a party in Hendricks Town Park. Join us on July 29th at ? […]
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!
The June Newsletter is Here!
Get the latest issue of the Friends of Blackwater newsletter online, featuring historic signs, watershed restoration, Endangered Species, and more.
Protect the Endangered Species Act!
Stand up for sound science and protect the Endangered Species Act
Use the form at the right to send a message telling Congress to preserve the Endangered Species Act.
A dangerous new bill has been introduced in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. Sponsored by Senator Barrasso, this bill seeks to shift decision-making on Endangered Species issues away from scientific experts and towards political appointees, as well as restricting the role of citizens in species listing decisions. Tell your legislators to say no to this bill, and to resist any future attempts to undermine the Act.
Upcoming Events
Connect with Friends of Blackwater at these upcoming special events
Hendricks Historic Marker Celebration
Lecture: Henry Gassaway Davis’ Business Empire
John Alexander Williams, one of the leading scholars of Appalachian history, will present a lecture on Henry Gassaway Davis and how the early industrialist helped shape West Virginia. Williams is the author of such books as Appalachia: A History, and spent many years as a professor at Appalachian State University. His focus in this lecture […]
Old Growth Forest Hike
On Sunday July 15th, join Friends of Blackwater and naturalist Doug Wood at Blackwater Falls State Park to learn about old growth forests. We will meet at the Harold Walters Nature Center (near Pendleton Lake) at 1 p.m. for an introductory talk about the characteristics of old growth forests, before heading into the park to […]
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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
Click on each of the images to learn more about our projects
Water
Trails
Heritage
Wildlife
Climate Change
Economy
Latest Blog Posts
Keep up with Friends of Blackwater!
Attacks on the Endangered Species Act continue
The Endangered Species Act never seems to catch a break, and this summer looks to be no exception. Senator Barrasso of Wyoming has just introduced a bill to radically change the way species recovery is managed under the Act, shifting the balance of power towards state appointees and away from federal experts. The Endangered Species […]
Hendricks Historic Marker Celebration
A newly installed historic marker helps connect the town of Hendricks to the larger story of the Western Maryland Railroad, which passed through the Blackwater Canyon and linked the towns along its route. We want to celebrate this new historic marker with a party in Hendricks Town Park. Join us on July 29th at ? […]
Science Campers Participate in FOB Climate Science Program
On July 9th, 2018, more than 100 ninth-graders participated in FOB’s “Kitchen Klimate Science” programs at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. The program follows a similar event in April in Tucker County at the National Youth Science Camp, for West Virginia science teachers. The Marshall program was an active learning experience– everyone was up […]
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.
Save Blackwater Canyon supporters
Supporters at Cheat Fest sign a photo petition with Ginny the flying squirrel, to help save Blackwater Canyon.
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