Eco-Tours with
Friends of Blackwater
Friends of Blackwater is happy to announce that we are now offering eco-tours of the Allegheny Highlands! The Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia are a biodiversity hotspot for the entire globe! There are southern species here that reach the northernmost point of their range here as well as northern species that reach the southernmost point of their range! We also have a few species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world like the Cheat Mountain Salamander. We will be leading hikes that will focus on different plants and animals of the region as well as more general ones that will teach you about the watershed and certain ecosystems within it as a whole.
Send an email stating the tour(s) you would like to attend to info@saveblackwater.org to RSVP!
FREE Old-Growth Hike!
Join Friends of Blackwater on Friday, November 1, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a free, fun old-growth tour! This hike is roughly a mile round trip along a steep slope. We will take breaks as needed, and walking sticks are encouraged. On the walk, participants will learn about the logging impacts of the past and present, as well as facts about old-growth trees and their importance. During our hike, we will see several old-growth trees including one that is over 260 years old! We hope to see you there!
Please email bella@saveblackwater.org to RSVP and receive directions to the trailhead. To give you an idea of the location, the trailhead is near the Horseshoe Recreation and Campground Area. For any questions, reach out to the same email or call Bella at 304-816-6930.
FREE ECO-TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST!
Join Friends of Blackwater on Saturday, October 26, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, for a free, fun Eco Tour along the Canyon Rail Trail! We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Buxton and Landstreet building (571 Douglas Rd, Thomas, WV 26292) at 11:00 AM. From there, we will head down to the trail and embark on an hour-long expedition (about two miles of easy walking).
On the walk, expert naturalist Frank Slider will discuss the plants and ecosystems of the Rail Trail! We will also see Albert Falls and Douglas Falls, as well as several historic structures. This tour is free, suitable for all ages, and requires no pre-registration. We hope to see you there! For more information, email bella@saveblackwater.org or call Bella at 304-816-6930.
Old-Growth Eco-Tour!
Join Friends of Blackwater on Saturday, October 19, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, for a free, fun “Old Growth Eco-Tour” along the Canyon Rail Trail!
We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Buxton and Landstreet building (571 Douglas Rd, Thomas, WV 26292) at 10:30. From there we will head down to the Trail and embark on an hour-and-a-half-long expedition (about a mile of easy walking).
On the walk, we will see a 152-year-old Norway spruce as well as Albert Falls and Douglas Falls. Participants will learn about historical logging and cool facts about old-growth trees!
This tour is free, suitable for all ages, and requires no pre-registration. We hope to see you there!
Email bella@saveblackwater.org, or call Bella at 304-816-6930 for more information.
Waterfall Eco Tour!
Waterfall Eco Tour!
When: Friday September 27th, 2024
Time: 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Meet at: 571 Douglas Rd. Thomas, WV 26292 - Look for Eco Tour sign!
See Albert Falls and Douglas Falls!
Learn: How old coal mines have impacted the North Fork of the Blackwater and what is being done to treat it!
Contact: Bella@saveblackwater.org - 304.816.6930 or just show up to the event!
Fall Eco-Tour!
Friends of Blackwater is hosting a Fall Eco-Tour! Join us for an hour-long guided tour along the Canyon Rail Trail, where we will explore the science behind changing leaves and how animals overwinter.
Meet us in Thomas at the old Miners and Merchants Bank parking lot, located between The Adventure Guild Game Shop and Happy and More Bakery and Cafe on Front Street. Look for our Eco-Tour signs on the sidewalk!
Contact: Bella@saveblackwater.org - 304.816.6930 If you have any further questions!
FIRST FALL ECO-TOUR OF THE YEAR!
WHEN: SATURDAY, SEPT. 14, 2024
TIME: 11:00-12:00 PM
FUN, FREE, FOR ALL AGES!
Friends of Blackwater is hosting a Fall Eco Tour!
Join us for an hour-long guided tour along the Canyon Rail Trail,
where we’ll explore the science behind changing leaves and how animals overwinter.
MEET US: In Thomas at the old Miners and Merchants Bank parking lot, located between
The Adventure Guild Game Shop and Happy and More Bakery and Cafe on Front Street.
Look for our Eco Tour signs on the sidewalk!
CONTACT: bella@saveblackwater.org
304-816-6930
saveblackwater.org
Revive the Rail Trail Invasive Species Removal!
HEAL AND BEAUTIFY OUR CANYON RAIL TRAIL!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
When: Saturday, September 7th, 2024 1:00PM-4:00 PM
Location: Meet at the Buxton and Landstreet Parking lot in Thomas, WV.
The Canyon Rail Trail is home to a wide variety of beneficial plant life. Unfortunately, invasive species are becoming prominent along the Trail. These invasive plants can overtake the plants that sustain our wildlife.
Volunteers: Will walk a portion of the Rail Trail where they will snip, dig, pull, and bag invasive plants. Water and snacks will be provided.
For questions or registration: Call Bella at 304-816-6930 or email: bella@saveblackwater.org
Butterfly & Moth Eco Tour!
Friends of Blackwater is hosting a Butterfly & Moth Eco-Tour!
Join us on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM-12:00 PM.
We will meet in the upper parking lot of the Buxton and Landstreet Building, located at 571 Douglas Rd, Thomas, WV 26292.
From there, we will go on an hour-long guided walk along the Canyon Rail Trail. Participants will learn about the life cycles of moths and butterflies in addition to some fun facts!
Call 304-345-7663 or 304-816-6930 if you need more information.
All ages are welcome. We hope to see you there!
Pollination Eco-Tour
Friends of Blackwater is hosting a Pollination Eco Tour!
Join us: Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 AM
Location: Buxton and Landstreet Building on Douglas Road — just outside of Thomas on the way to Davis.
We will go on a one-hour guided walk along the Canyon Rail Trail. Participants will learn to identify plants and insects important to pollination, and other pollination facts.
We will meet in the B&L Building parking lot.
Call 304-345-7663 or 304-816-6930 if you need more information.
All ages -- we hope to see you there!
Nature Walk in the Park
Meet in front of Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge
Beat the Heat in the Forest!
Tree ID and Bird Watching: Binoculars will be provided.
Everyone Welcome -- Family Friendly
Expert Birder will lead the tour!
PHOTOGRAPHING MOTHS
Meet outside of the Buxton Landstreet Building
Leader: Nate McPeak
571 Douglas Road, Thomas WV
Bring a Camera!
We will attract Moths with a Blacklight and a Sheet.
Expert Naturalist Nate McPeak will identify moths and describe their Life Cycle.
Everyone Welcome; Family Friendly!
Rail Trail Walk for National Trails Day
Meet at the Buxton and Landstreet Building
Leader: Atlee Wise
Join us as we celebrate National Trails Day! We will be taking a walk down the beloved Blackwater Rail Trail. We will be taking a tour of this area's natural history along with the human history of this area. We will be walking approximately 1.2 miles one direction on a relatively flat gravel road. As always, we will also be on the lookout for any signs of wildlife and interesting flora along the way! A shuttle back to the starting location may be available, more details to come.