We got some good news this week, as both of West Virginia’s Senators expressed their support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF supports outdoor recreation and conservation programs around the country, including millions of dollars for projects right here in West Virginia. Both Blackwater Falls State Park and Canaan Valley State […]
Bald Eagles are one of America’s most iconic species. They might not be here today, if it weren’t for the Endangered Species Act. This vital law has protected many species, but the law itself now needs protection. You can send a letter to Congress asking them to maintain protections for the Endangered Species Act from […]
On August 11th, roughly 40 people gathered at Cottrill’s Opera House to learn about Henry Gassaway Davis, the pioneering businessman who named many of the towns in this area. The speaker, John Alexander Williams, is a native of White Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County, and has written about his home state for more than 50 […]
On August 10th, citizens around the country are going to be calling or visiting their Congressional offices to talk about the importance of the Endangered Species Act. Friends of Blackwater will be participating, and we wanted to share the fact sheet that we will be using. You can download a pdf here or just read up on […]
On August 4th, a small crowd gathered on the Blackwater Canyon Rail Grade in Hendricks to see a new historic marker unveiled. The marker explains the history of the railroad, once an important route for the timber and coal industries, as well as a major connection between the mountain and valley towns. The steepness of […]
Learn about West Virginia history with live reenactments! Friends of Blackwater is sponsoring a presentation Sunday September 2nd at 3 p.m. at the Thomas City Park. Presenter Doug Wood will tell the story of Gabriel Arthur, a frontiersman who was the first white man to see the Kanawha River Valley in 1674. Arthur was part […]
On August 3rd, citizens around the country are going to be participating in the Stop Extinction Challenge – reaching out to their congresspeople and urging them to protect the Endangered Species Act. If you have the time, go to your local congressional office in person, and tell them to maintain strong protections for endangered species […]
Friends of Blackwater is partnering with the Forest Service to clean up historic sites along the Blackwater Canyon rail grade on September 22nd. Meet at the Friends of Blackwater office, in the Buxton and Landstreet building at 10 a.m. to get started. We will provide some hand tools and gloves, but make sure to wear […]
A project partnership, between the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia University, and local stakeholders investigated the role of tourism in West Virginia. Several case studies were used to represent different phases of tourism development. The New River Gorge has a well-developed trail system and a supportive alliance of stakeholder groups, and have already seen economic […]
Indiana Bat These small bats weigh only one quarter of an ounce, but in flight they have a wingspan of 9 to 11 inches. The Indiana Bat’s range covers all of West Virginia, but with their population severely diminished by the effects of the fungal disease white nose syndrome, the odds of spotting this Endangered […]
