By Jordan Howes, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy
The past several months have been full of momentum, connection and exciting new opportunities for the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy as we continue building relationships across the Mountain State and expanding awareness of our work to protect West Virginia’s treasured public lands, forests, rivers and wilderness areas. From community outreach events and campus engagement to creative collaborations and the release of a long-awaited documentary film, this spring has reminded us just how powerful grassroots conservation can be when people come together around a shared love of place.
One of the season’s first major outreach opportunities came during Earth Day on the Green at West Virginia University’s Mountainlair, where WVHC staff spent the day connecting with students and community members passionate about sustainability, outdoor recreation and environmental advocacy. The event provided an energizing opportunity to introduce students to the Conservancy’s work while discussing everything from public lands protection and trail stewardship to ways young people can become involved in conservation efforts throughout the state. The enthusiasm and curiosity we encountered throughout the day served as a reminder that the next generation of environmental advocates is already eager to engage and make a difference.
That same spirit of connection continued at Cheat Fest, where the Conservancy once again joined one of West Virginia’s most beloved celebrations of music, rivers and outdoor culture. Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Cheat River watershed, the festival brought together paddlers, hikers, campers, conservationists and music lovers from across the region. Throughout the weekend, WVHC and Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards had the opportunity to speak with countless attendees about our ongoing advocacy work, wilderness preservation efforts and the importance of protecting the landscapes and waterways that make West Virginia such a special place to call home. Conversations at events like Cheat Fest are invaluable because they allow us not only to share our mission but also to hear directly from community members who care deeply about the future of Appalachia’s public lands and natural resources.
As outreach efforts have continued to grow, so too has the desire to create more opportunities for local environmental advocates and community members to gather informally and build lasting connections. That desire helped spark the return of Green Drinks in Morgantown, which takes place monthly at Apothecary Ale House. The revived gathering has already become a welcoming space for students, professionals, outdoor enthusiasts, nonprofit leaders and curious community members to come together over conversation and shared concern for West Virginia’s environmental future. The response so far has been incredibly encouraging and we are excited to continue growing the event in the months ahead.
In addition to community events, WVHC has also been working on several creative projects that celebrate the beauty and ecological significance of West Virginia’s wild landscapes. We are currently running a T-shirt sale through our website and are especially excited to soon sell a brand-new design created by local artist Harris Wright honoring the iconic Dolly Sods Wilderness. The design captures the spirit and rugged beauty of one of the state’s most beloved wilderness areas while helping support the Conservancy’s ongoing advocacy and outreach work. Projects like these allow supporters to celebrate the places they love while directly contributing to efforts to protect them.
At the same time, the Conservancy is also proud to be offering a limited-edition fundraiser print featuring original artwork by Carly Thaw in celebration of the upcoming release of Ecology and Restoration of Red Spruce Ecosystems of the Central and Southern Appalachians. The fundraiser highlights the ecological importance of red spruce ecosystems, which provide critical habitat, safeguard headwater streams and represent some of Appalachia’s most unique and vulnerable high-elevation environments. Every purchase helps support ongoing restoration and conservation efforts focused on these remarkable forests, giving supporters an opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation of one of the region’s defining ecosystems while also taking home a beautiful piece of original artwork.
Perhaps most exciting of all, this season also marked the official release of Dolly Sods and the Legacy of Helen McGinnis, the long-anticipated documentary film produced by the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and directed by Clara Haizlett. The film explores the history and enduring importance of Dolly Sods Wilderness through the story of pioneering conservation advocate Helen McGinnis, whose dedication played a vital role in protecting the area for future generations. After months of anticipation, the documentary is now available on WVHC’s social media platforms and YouTube, allowing viewers across the region and beyond to experience the story of one of West Virginia’s most treasured landscapes and the people who fought to preserve it.
Taken together, these events, partnerships and projects reflect a season of tremendous energy and optimism for the Conservancy. Whether through conversations at festivals and campus events, community gatherings in Morgantown, collaborations with local artists, restoration fundraising efforts or storytelling through film, each initiative strengthens our collective commitment to protecting West Virginia’s natural heritage. As we move forward into the rest of the year, WVHC remains deeply grateful for the growing community of supporters, advocates, artists, students and volunteers who continue standing with us in defense of the wild and wonderful places that define our state.
For those looking to become more involved in protecting West Virginia’s public lands, forests and waterways, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy offers numerous opportunities to engage through advocacy, volunteer work, events and community outreach efforts. Supporting the Conservancy through membership also helps sustain ongoing conservation initiatives, educational programming and wilderness protection efforts across the state. More information about membership, upcoming events and ways to support WVHC’s mission can be found at https://www.wvhighlands.org/membershiprenewals/.