West Virginia Highlands Conservancy

"Don't Mine the Mon" Webinar
2025-05-29 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
America’s public lands belong to all of us — not just to industry interests. West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, affectionately known as “the Mon,” and the waterways within and downstream of it are home to thriving ecosystems and cherished outdoor spaces that support local communities and economies. These lands are meant to be preserved for future generations, not exploited for short-term gain.
But now, that future is at risk. A new executive order from President Trump aims to open national forests to coal mining, despite a longstanding federal ban designed to protect these irreplaceable landscapes. Join us for a special webinar on May 21 at 1 p.m. (as part of the ‘Our Land, Our Home’ webinar series) or May 29 at 6 p.m., where Appalachian Voices and our partners will share what we’re doing to safeguard the Monongahela and how you can get involved.
Join us to learn how communities across the region are standing up for our national forests and rivers. Register today and be a part of the movement to protect our public lands.
Register for the May 29 webinar.

"Don't Mine the Mon" Webinar
2025-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
America’s public lands belong to all of us — not just to industry interests. West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest, affectionately known as “the Mon,” and the waterways within and downstream of it are home to thriving ecosystems and cherished outdoor spaces that support local communities and economies. These lands are meant to be preserved for future generations, not exploited for short-term gain.
But now, that future is at risk. A new executive order from President Trump aims to open national forests to coal mining, despite a longstanding federal ban designed to protect these irreplaceable landscapes. Join us for a special webinar on May 21 at 1 p.m. (as part of the ‘Our Land, Our Home’ webinar series) or May 29 at 6 p.m., where Appalachian Voices and our partners will share what we’re doing to safeguard the Monongahela and how you can get involved.
Join us to learn how communities across the region are standing up for our national forests and rivers. Register today and be a part of the movement to protect our public lands.
Register for the May 21 webinar.

Indigenous Voices Symposium: Ways of Knowing: Indigenous Connections to Landscape and Place in Central Appalachia
2024-11-09 09:30 - 16:30 | Myles Center, Davis & Elkins College
The Ways of Knowing symposium is the culmination of the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area’s year-long project exploring Indigenous Appalachia. The speakers at this one-day event will discuss various approaches to Indigenous knowledge. Discussions will cover archeological insights, Native culture, traditions, language, and folklore. Comparing traditional Indigenous knowledge to western versions of archaeology, history, ethics of land use, and religion will open insights to modern social concerns of Indigenous communities. Admission is $30 and lunch is included in ticket price. Scholarships for free attendance are available for students, AmeriCorps members, and others who may to apply for financial assistance.
Learn more and register here.

Let’s Hit the Trails! Old-Growth Forest Hike at Audra State Park
2024-11-09 09:00 - 11:30 | Audra State Park, 8397 Audra Park Rd, Buckhannon, West Virginia, 26201

2024 WV Trail Conference
2024-10-27 08:00 - 2024-10-29 17:00 | Stonewall Resort, Roanake, West Virginia
Join WV TRAIL for the 2024 WV Trail Conference, the premier statewide gathering of trail advocates, trail builders, recreational trail users, and land managers. This unique event offers a platform for networking and collaboration among the key stakeholders in West Virginia’s trail community.
The 2024 Conference will be held October 27th-29th at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, WV. Stonewall Resort features a beautiful lakeside lodge nestled within a 1,900-acre state park and offers a variety of activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking, tennis, and golf.
Sunday afternoon field trips start the Conference followed by a full day of presentations on Monday, October 28th. Several workshop options are available on Tuesday, the 29th as well!
$100 registration fee includes all 3 days with a lunch and Happy Hour (*over 21) on Tuesday. All Conference attendees will also receive a tote bag and Klean Kanteen.
Please visit https://www.wvtrail.org/registration to sign up today!

"Create the Mon" Art Exhibit
2024-10-25 18:00 - 20:30 | South Side Studios, 126 South Main Street, Petersburg, West Virginia, 26847
Opening Night Oct 25 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sponsored by West Virginia Rivers Coalition and West Virginians for Public Lands
Join us for finger food and beverages, presentations including poetry reading, vote for the “People’s Choice Award”
Exhibit runs from Oct. 25 to Nov 30
South Side Studios gallery, 126 South Main Street, Petersburg WV. Gallery open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2024 Fall Review
2024-10-18 - 2024-10-19 | Cacapon Resort State Park, 818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV, 25411, United States

ALT 50th Anniversary Celebration
2024-09-06 08:00 - 2024-09-08 17:00 | Greenbank Observatory, 155 Observatory Rd, Greenbank, WV, 24944, United States
Save the date for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the WV Scenic Trails Association (WVSTA) and the Allegheny Trail (ALT).
Location: Greenbank Observatory, Greenbank WV
More details are forthcoming!

Hike to Upper Cheat Old Growth
2024-08-17 10:00 - 14:00 | Horseshoe Recreation and Campground, 3309 Horseshoe Run Rd, Parsons, West Virginia, 26287

Trails Through Time: A Guided Hike in Watoga State Park
2024-08-10 10:00 - 12:30 | Watoga State Park, 4800 watoga park road, marlinton, WV, 24954, United States

Gaslight Webinar
2024-08-01 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
On Thursday, Aug. 1, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy and Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance will co-host a webinar with Jonathan Mingle, author of Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future.
Description:
Imagine one day receiving a letter in the mail informing you that Dominion Energy is planning to build a massive pipeline through your property. What would you think? That this energy behemoth, with 109 billion dollars in total assets and a production portfolio consisting of 48% from natural gas, will do whatever it wants with your property? Even if your family has lived there since before the Revolutionary War? Or do you stand up with your neighbors and fight for your land, your health, and your rights? You fight. And you win.
Imagine one day receiving a letter in the mail informing you that Dominion Energy is planning to build a massive pipeline through your property. What would you think? That this energy behemoth, with 109 billion dollars in total assets and a production portfolio consisting of 48% from natural gas, will do whatever it wants with your property? Even if your family has lived there since before the Revolutionary War? Or do you stand up with your neighbors and fight for your land, your health, and your rights? You fight. And you win.
That’s the story Jonathan Mingle tells in Gaslight: The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and the Fight for America’s Energy Future. In this vivid and suspenseful true story, Mingle chronicles the communities that became Dominion’s staunchest foes. This land, stretching from the Blue Ridge foothills to the Shenandoah Valley and the Allegheny highlands, is home to the lawyers and farmers, conservationists and conservatives, scientists and nurses, innkeepers and lobbyists, regular people that fought back and won against Dominion.
Mingle will discuss his new book, Gaslight, and paint a portrait of the people involved in the fight. Join him to become inspired in your climate activism!
About Jonathan Mingle:
Jonathan Mingle is a freelance writer and journalist. As a 2020 recipient of the Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellowship, he reported on political, policy, and grassroots battles over natural gas (aka methane) infrastructure and its local and global climate consequences. He has written about climate change impacts and solutions, air pollution and public health, energy and resource issues, development and technology, and much more for a range of outlets, including The New York Review of Books, The New York Times, Slate, Undark, Yale Environment 360, and The Boston Globe.
Register here!

2024 Summer Splash
2024-07-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Blackwater Outdoors Adventures, 60 Location Road, Parsons, WV, 26287, United States

Birds & Heritage: A Day at Old Hemlock
2024-07-14 09:30 - 12:00 | WV

Quarterly Board Meeting
2024-07-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV, 26260, United States
The WVHC Board of Directors Meeting will be held in person at Blackwater Falls State Park on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. If you would like to attend the meeting, please send an email to olivia.miller@wvhighlands.org

Indigenous Voices in Appalachia Dance Showcase
2024-06-29 09:30 - 17:30 | Appalachian Forest Discovery Center, 101 Railroad Ave, Elkins, West Virginia, 26241
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area’s Indigenous Voices in Appalachia program continues with a Dance Showcase on June 29 featuring artist demonstrations and vendor tables, and a performance by Hoops of Hope and Resilience.
Schedule:Exhibit and vendor tables open 9:30-4:30pm at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center (101 Railroad Ave, Elkins)Demonstrations:11:00am – Rachel Schindler: Dreamcatchers1:00pm – Jocelyn Jones: Hoop DanceTBA – Dave Locklear5:30 – Performances at The Arts Center (2 Park St, Elkins)Hoops of Hope & Resilience Dave Locklear

“The Hoops of Hope and Resilience are a family group of hoop dancers from Cattaraugus Territory of the Seneca Nation. The Seneca people are known as “The keepers of the Western Door.” Founding members include Darice Sampson, Cece Young, Rachel Schindler, and Cassius Alvarado-Sampson! Spanning three generations, they create their own regalia, incorporating beadwork into the sewing of each custom design. This event features a special mother-daughter debut, Jocelyn Jones and Wiyöhs Printup. We will be performing multiple styles of native dances for you.”

David T. Locklear, Tuscarora, is from Prospect, North Carolina. He is a singer, songwriter, drummer, dancer, and beadworker who has toured internationally to perform traditional Haudenosaunee music. He loves to sing in churches, longhouses, and social dances.

ALT Trail IPA Beer Celebration
2024-06-22 17:00 - 22:00 | Big Timber Brewing, 2 Davis Avenue, Elkins, West Virginia, 26241
Big Timber Brewery – in Elkins, WV – is making Allegheny Trail a one-of-a-kind IPA beer to commemorate the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association’s 50th year! Come Celebrate at this launch party for the new Allegheny Trail IPA Beer.
There will be …

Music – with the band “Black Market Shine” playing at 7 pm.

ALT merchandise to purchase,

ALT displays

Lots of ALT fans!!

Come hang with your crew, meet like minded people and have a cold beverage (not just beer, not just alcohol)
There will also be a few raffles given away!
This event runs 5 pm to closing time.
bigtimberbrewing.com
The newly remodeled Tygart Hotel is offering a room block and is just 150 yards from Big Timber Brewing. 206 Davis Ave, Elkins, WV,

Wood’s Wacky Week of Work and Welaxation (W5)
2024-06-14 - 2024-06-20 | Harmon Mountain Farm Campground, 193 Mountain Farm Road, Harman, 26270, United States
Join the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association for their biggest event of the year, W5! Come spend the week, weekend, or however long you can! Camping is free for tents, or car camping, facilities (wifi, showers, etc.) are located on-site. Work will commence at 9 am every morning, and after a short safety briefing, we’ll divide into crews for the day’s work.
We have several projects this year to accomplish. Two reroutes on the Allegheny Trail, are flagged out and need brushed. Also some other maintenance and sign construction as well! Plenty of activities for a busy week of work. No experience is necessary, we have a job for everyone!
Our annual member meeting to elect officers for 2025 will be held on the evening of Saturday, June 15th.
Where: Davis / Thomas, Section 2 of the ALT.
W5 activities: TBA
Who: Leader for the W5 is ALT Section 2 Coordinator Jeff Byard.
Arrival time: 8:15 am (each day).
Meet at the Harman Mountain Farm Campground, 193 Mountain Farm Road, Harman, WV 26270
Tailgate Safety Talk: 8:30 am (first day).
Lodging / Camping: Free camping at Harman Mountain Farm Campground.
Register by selecting the day or days you plan to attend ( Please register for each day you plan to attend)
Friday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/914952
Saturday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922703
Sunday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922706
Monday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922707
Tuesday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922708
Wednesday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922709
Thursday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922710
Friday https://www.trackitforward.com/site/914642/event/922711

Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards Training and Annual Picnic
2024-05-18 08:00 - 17:00 | WV
Training for New and Current Stewards: May 18 at Seneca Rocks Discovery Center
The Trailhead Stewards is the signature program of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards and has helped thousands of visitors have a successful, low-impact experience of Dolly Sods. We are well on our way to having the busiest trailheads staffed with volunteer Stewards during weekends and holidays. We can always use new volunteers who enjoy interacting with visitors and sharing advice on routes, what to expect and how to Leave No Trace in our special Wilderness.
Stewards Annual Picnic: May 18 at Seneca Rocks Picnic Pavilion
Held right after the Trailhead Stewards training, all Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards are invited to share their experiences, meet other Stewards, and get recognition for all they have done to support Dolly Sods. Food and beverages are provided, and we are working on a program for entertainment and learning.
If you are not already a member of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards, please sign-up by submitting this form.
For more information and to register for the training, please email dollysodsstewards@gmail.com
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program was formed in partnership with the Monongahela National Forest to allow for volunteer action to supplement the Forest Service’s wilderness management activities, engage in visitor education and support the long-term health of the wilderness.

Birding in Blackwater Falls State Park
2024-05-12 10:00 - 12:00 | WV

2024 Cheat River Festival
2024-05-03 09:00 - 2024-05-04 17:00 | Friends of the Cheat Campground, Albright, WV, United States
West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is excited to attend this year’s Cheat Fest, an annual event celebrating the Cheat River and its surrounding wilderness. The festival is a great opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy live music, food, and art while learning about conservation efforts in the area. The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy will have a booth at the festival to provide information about our mission to protect and restore the natural beauty of the Highlands region and beyond – for future generations! Be sure to stop by and learn more about our work and how you can get involved in conservation efforts.

Directions to the Friend of the Cheat Campground
From points east: Follow I-68 West toward Morgantown. Take Exit 23, Bruceton Mills. Turn left onto Route 26 South, and follow for approximately 10 miles. The festival site is located on the right, turn at the Teter’s Campground entrance sign. If you reach the Albright Exxon Station and Kwik Stop, you have gone too far.
From points west: Follow I-68 East toward Cumberland. Take exit 23, Bruceton Mills. Turn right onto Route 26 South, and follow for approximately 10 miles. The festival site is located on the right, turn at the Teter’s Campground entrance sign. If you reach the Albright Exxon Station and Kwik Stop, you have gone too far.
From Kingwood, WV: From Route 7, take Route 26 North approximately 4 miles. The festival site is located on the left, turn at the Teter’s Campground sign.

Trail Maintenance Training
2024-04-27 08:00 - 2024-04-28 17:00 | Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, WV-28, Seneca Rocks, WV, 26884, United States
April 27-28 at Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and in the field
Description: As part of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program, the Trail Maintenance Team was formed last year and new members are welcome! The trails in Dolly Sods are challenging and purposely primitive, but they need a lot of work to protect the wilderness environment by keeping water off the trail and people on the trail! We use a variety of tools and specialized techniques to make the trails as compatible with wilderness as possible. Scheduled project are held through the spring and summer. The weekend training includes classroom instruction on tools, methods and safety, and a day of field work. This is your chance to make a positive difference for the Dolly Sods trails.
If you are not already a member of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards, please sign-up by submitting this form.
For more information and to register for the training, please email dollysodsstewards@gmail.com
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program was formed in partnership with the Monongahela National Forest to allow for volunteer action to supplement the Forest Service’s wilderness management activities, engage in visitor education and support the long-term health of the wilderness.

Quarterly Board Meeting
2024-04-21 10:00 - 2024-04-22 14:00 | Zoom
The WVHC Board of Directors Meeting will be held virtually on Sunday, April 21, 2024 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. If you would like to attend the meeting, please send an email to olivia.miller@wvhighlands.org

Earth Day Tree Planting in Canaan
2024-04-20 09:00 - 14:00 | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, West Virginia, 26260
This Earth Day weekend, help plant native balsam fir trees and make a difference in the community!
The event will start at the Visitor Center at 9am. From there, we will carpool to the tree planting location. We will be planting until we run out of trees!
No prior experience required, and all gear will be provided. The Friends of the 500th will be providing refreshments during this event. If you have any questions, send an email to william_yarley@fws.gov.
Address: Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center – 6263 Appalachian Hwy, Davis, WV 26260

WVU's Earth Day on the Green
2024-04-19 16:00 - 20:00 | West Virginia University Mountainlair Green, 1550 University Ave, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506
WVHC will be on West Virginia University’s campus in Morgantown on Friday, April 19th for the West Virginia University’s Sierra Student Coalition Earth Day Celebration. Stop by the Mountainlair Green to learn more about local environmental community groups and student organizations.
The event will take place from 4-8 p.m. on the Lair green and will feature live music acts, student org and artist vendor tabling, free food, giveaways from local businesses, petitions and info on environmental issues in WV, and much more.
For more information, check out the SSC Instagram @wvu_ssc or email at wvusierracoalition@gmail.com. The Sierra Student Coalition is the WVU Chapter of the national Sierra Club and works to promote environmental stewardship in the WVU community.

Spring The Trail in Albright
2024-04-19 08:00 - 2024-04-21 17:00 | WV
Join the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association and Friends of the Cheat for an annual Allegheny Trail clean-up event.
Where: Cheat Canyon segment, Section 1 of the ALT
When: Friday, April 19 – Sunday, April 21, 2024
What: Tools provided for clearing the trail. Supper will be provided on Saturday evening.
Who: ALT Section 1 Coordinator Marissa Bennet.
Arrival Time: 8:15 a.m. at Friends of Cheat Campground each day.
Tailgate Safety Talk: 8:30 a.m.
Lodging/Camping: Free camping at Friends of Cheat campground.
Register for Spring The Trail!

Crosscut Sawyer Training
2024-04-13 08:00 - 2024-04-14 17:00 | Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, WV-28, Seneca Rocks, WV, 26884, United States
Crosscut Sawyer Training
April 13-14 at Seneca Rocks Discovery Center and in the field
Description: Last year, as part of the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program, we formed a Crosscut Sawyer team, and new members are welcome! Sawyers clear trails and campsites of fallen trees, brush, and vegetation using traditional, non-power tools compatible with the wilderness. We hold scheduled projects through the spring and summer in Dolly Sods and other nearby wilderness areas. The full weekend training covers the planning and tactics, safety, tools, and techniques for bucking trees and includes a full day of practice in the field, leading to certification as an A or B Sawyer. Basic first aid and CPR are required, and training can be provided by the Forest Service if needed.
If you are not already a member of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards, please sign-up by submitting this form.
For more information and to register for the training, please email dollysodsstewards@gmail.com
The Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards program was formed in partnership with the Monongahela National Forest to allow for volunteer action to supplement the Forest Service’s wilderness management activities, engage in visitor education and support the long-term health of the wilderness.

Marshall University Earth Day Celebration
2024-04-10 10:30 - 13:30 | Marshall University, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25755, United States
Join the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy staff as we celebrate Earth Day with Marshall University!

Water Quality Monitoring Training for Tucker County
2024-03-24 08:00 - 17:00 | WV
Please help keep our rivers and streams healthy and clear! West Virginia Rivers Coalition, in partnership with Friends of the Cheat and West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, will hold a training for Parsons and Davis community members on how to visually monitor highway construction activities and report potential pollution incidents. This training will be held on Sunday, March 24 at the Parsons Community Center, 96 Parkwood Lane, Parsons, WV.
If you are interested in attending, please contact Jenna Dodson, Staff Scientist, West Virginia Rivers Coalition at jdodson@wvrivers.org.

Public Interest Environmental Law Conference
2024-03-01 08:00 - 2024-03-03 17:00 | WV
For the past 42 years, over 5,000 concerned people from across the globe have come together in Eugene for the oldest and largest public interest environmental law conference in the world. Land Air Water, a wholly volunteer student group at the University of Oregon School of Law, hosts the event. The Conference attracts activists, advocates, attorneys, scientists, government officials, and concerned citizens together to share information and strategies that will more effectively further the goals of environmental and social justice. It puts ideas into action, sparks renewed commitment to the protection of the environment across borders and has inspired the creation of public interest environmental and human rights organizations.

Corridor H Public Workshop
2024-02-27 16:00 - 19:00 | Tucker County High School, 116 Mountain Lion Way, Hambleton, WV, 26269, United States
Show your support for the Northern Route (BAA2) at the Corridor H public meeting on Tuesday, February 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Tucker County High School!
Residents and friends of Tucker County will have the opportunity to view updated maps of the northern routing for Corridor H and ask representatives from the West Virginia Division of Highways and Federal Highway Administration questions about the proposed project. No formal presentation will be made.

BACKGROUND: Early in February, the WV Division of Highways and Federal Highway Administration informed the public that the official environmental review process for the Parsons to Davis Section of Corridor H has begun.
This review must include an analysis of alternate routes. In this case, the Revised Original Preferred Alternative (ROPA) and the Blackwater Avoidance Alternative 2 (Northern Route). You can learn more about their evaluation and preparation of this environmental review—as well as what is and is not being considered—in our latest newsletter.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: The WV Division of Highways is accepting public comments on the project until March 27, 2024. The most effective comments are likely to address the impacts of one route versus the other.
The Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance has created a great resource featuring an interactive map to illustrate the impacts of the proposed routings on communities and the environment.
Comments can be made in person at the meeting, online, or by mail. View the WV Division of Highways’ notice and make your comment here.
