CLIMATE

A person hiking in a dense, moss-covered forest with a flowing stream.

CROWN JEWELS

Scientific research confirms that climate change is already having significant impacts on the climate of the Allegheny Highlands and the Blackwater Canyon

Severe weather events and destructive flooding are increasing. Iconic species like red spruce and the Cheat Mountain salamander (pictured here) face habitat shrinkage and even extinction. Click “Learn More” to the right to learn about the species most effected by climate change. Unless climate change is reined in, the cool, high-mountain ecology and economy of the Highlands are "on the chopping block."

Also, check out the West Virginia Center on Climate Change's website and Facebook page.

Aerial view of a dense forest with trees in various shades of green, yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
A small black salamander with a white stripe on its side on green moss.

Friends of Blackwater and the West Virginia Center on Climate Change have prepared a working bibliography on the impacts of climate change and global warming on the Allegheny Highlands.

Global Warming and Climate Change in the Allegheny Highlands

Close-up of a small rodent, possibly a gerbil or hamster, with large black eyes and pink nose, resting on a soft surface.
A close-up of a small mouse crawling on a textured surface, seen in profile against a dark background.

West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel

A salamander resting on rocks in a natural setting.

Eastern Hellbender

Another Look at Canaan’s Shrinking Winter Snowfall

Click the button to read Canaan Valley Local, Dave Lesher’s article on the snowfall in Canaan Valley over the years. Dave keeps a log of the weather in the Valley and has noticed a trend of less snowfall every year on average.

Aerial view of a winding river running through a forested wetland area with deciduous and evergreen trees, and foggy hills in the background.