Friends of Blackwater works to conserve critical habitat for rare species, and to fight for policies like the Endangered Species Act which will keep West Virginia and the Highlands "wild and wonderful" for future generations.
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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. Although he’s calling […]
By, Steven Krichbaum (Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology) The Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) occurs from northern West Virginia and Virginia through the northeastern US into southern Canada. They are “very rare and imperiled” and a “species of greatest conservation need” in WV’s wildlife conservation strategy. Adult Wood Turtles have a brownish knobby carapace (upper […]
This year, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is expanding the hunting opportunities within state parks. Hunts will take place in 10 parks around the state – Beech Fork, Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Chief Logan, Lost River, North Bend, Pipestem, Stonewall Jackson, Twin Falls, and Watoga. For most parks hunting would take place over a […]
Friends of Blackwater supporters have been sending hundreds of letters and making dozens of calls to Congress to support the Endangered Species Act. And our voices are making a difference! Massive public support from across America for the ESA really paid off during negotiations for the Omnibus Spending Bill for 2018. Several “poison pill” amendments […]
“Ginny,” the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus fuscus) is a descendant of squirrels that were left behind in Appalachia at the end of the last Age, more than 10,000 years ago. Ginny’s ancestors were specialists in living in a cold climate and as the Mid-Atlantic Highlands warmed, the big-eyed nocturnal mammals found a […]
Hellbenders are the largest aquatic salamander in the United States, regularly reaching up to a foot in length. Hellbenders “breathe” through their skin, which makes them sensitive to water quality issues and the species has declined due to water quality degradation and habitat loss. Hellbenders rarely leave the water, and are active mostly at night, […]
