West Virginia Highlands Conservancy

2024 Summer Splash
2024-07-28 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Blackwater Outdoors Adventures, 60 Location Road, Parsons, WV, 26287, 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!

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

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

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!

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

"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 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!

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

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.

"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.

"Don't Mine the Mon" Webinar
2025-05-29 18:00 - 19:00 | 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 29 webinar.

2025 Summer Splash
2025-08-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Blackwater Outdoors Adventures, 60 Location Road, Parsons, WV, 26287, United States

Snorkel the Shavers Fork!
2025-08-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Stuart Recreation Area, Forest Rd 91, Elkins, West Virginia, 26241

Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon
2025-09-13 09:00 - 13:00 | Mill Race Park, Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV, 26287, United States
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon will take place on the Blackwater Canyon railroad grade and Allegheny Highlands Trail running from Thomas, WV to Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV. Please join us for this epic event in support of the Highlands Trail Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to trail development in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia.
The Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. The trail is made of pavement, dirt, and crushed stone. The race course will descend about 1400′. The 9:00 am race start is located on the rail trail below First/Front Street in Thomas, WV. The race finish is in Parsons, WV. At 8:00 am, a bus will transport runners from Parsons to the race start in Thomas.
RACE ENTRY WILL CLOSE AT 200 RUNNERS!
Individual Entry Fees:
• Before August 13, 2025 – $60
• After August 13, 2023 – $75
Awards
Custom handmade mugs by MUD Ceramics, Thomas, WV, will be awarded to:
• Overall Top Male and Female finisher – Salomon has also donated Hydration packs for the overall winners!
• Top 3 Male finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
• Top 3 Female finishers in each age group (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
SWAG: Gender specific shirts, HydraPak speed cup and locally made finishers woodallions. Please note: we cannot guarantee shirt size after August 13, but will try to have one that works for you.
Black-Hel Double
Looking for a challenge? In coordination with the West Virginia Mountain Trail Runners’ Helvetia 10k Mountain Run, we have the Black-Hel Double! This is a two part racing event. First complete the Blackwater Canyon Half Marathon on Saturday. Then travel to Helvetia on Sunday and finish the 10k Mountain Run. Finishers of both races receive a special hat with the Black-Hel Double logo. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run. No additional purchase necessary. More information about the Helvetia 10k Mountain Run is available at https://www.wvmtr.org/races/helvetia/
RACE WEEKEND DETAILS
Packet Pickup:
Friday evening packet pick up will take place in Thomas, WV from 5:30-7:00 pm at the rail yard. Race day packet pickup will take place at the Mill Race Park in Parsons, WV from 6:45 – 7:45 am.

Shuttle Bus Leaves:
Buses will leave Mill Race Park in Parsons for the starting line in Thomas at 8:00 am. Note: Please board the bus as soon as you can. The bus ride will take approximately 35-45 minutes.

Race Start:
The race will start at 9:00 am just below Tip Top (on State Hwy 32, Thomas, WV 26292), along the rail yard road. This crushed stone road parralles the North Fork Blackwater River and East Street.

Bag Drop Off:
Bags and extra layers you need on the bus can be left in the box at the starting line. They will be under the pavilion in the finishers area for you to pick up after the race.
Aid Stations/Restrooms:
Three Aid stations will be provided along the course. Stations will include water, Skratch hydration, and various energy packed snacks. THIS WILL BE A CUPLESS RACE (thank you, HydraPak)! It is suggested that each runner carry the cup provided or water bottle, we won’t have cups at the aid stations.
Restrooms are located at the Mill Race Park, Parsons, WV. Portapotties will be provided at the start line.
See you there!

Crosscut Sawyer Training
2025-10-18 - 2025-10-19 | Seneca Rocks Discovery Center, WV-28, Seneca Rocks, WV, 26884, United States
We’re holding a two-day crosscut sawyer training with the Forest Service on October 18–19 at Seneca Rocks, and we’d love to have you join us.
The first day will be indoors, covering the basics of crosscut saws, axes, and tools. The second day we’ll head outside to practice on real blowdowns and learn how to safely clear trails. By the end of the weekend, you’ll be evaluated for your initial certification, so you’ll be ready to join trail crews in Dolly Sods.
If you still need it, we’ll also be offering Basic First Aid/CPR on Friday, October 17, since that’s required for sawyer certification.
Please note: You’ll need to sign up as a Dolly Sods Wilderness Steward before you can register for this training.
There’s always plenty of trail work waiting for us after a Highland winter—hope you can make it!
Have questions? Email dollysodsstewards@gmail.com

WVHC Fall Review: Environmentalism in a Changing World
2025-10-31 - 2025-11-02 | Blackwater Falls State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Rd, Davis, WV, 26260, United States

Documentary Double Feature with Filmmaker Julia Huffman: Wolf Spirit & Mother Daughter Earth
2025-11-30 13:00 - 16:00 | Pocahontas County Opera House, 813 3rd Ave, Marlinton, West Virginia, 24954
Join us at the Pocahontas County Opera House for a special documentary double feature featuring filmmaker Julia Huffman and her acclaimed short films Wolf Spirit and Mother Daughter Earth.
Wolf Spirit offers a rare and intimate look at the ecological and spiritual significance of wolves, featuring stunning imagery from National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg. The film explores the deep connection between humans and wolves and challenges the enduring myths that have shaped how we see these remarkable animals.
Mother Daughter Earth turns the story homeward, reflecting on family, aging and the powerful bond between people and place. The film centers on Huffman’s relationship with her mother, Beth Little—an environmental activist and beloved Pocahontas County resident—set against the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.
A reception and informal conversation with Julia Huffman will follow the screenings.
Admission is a $10 Donation.

Dolly Sods and the Legacy of Helen McGinnis — Documentary Screening + Discussion
2026-03-21 18:00 - 20:00 | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, West Virginia, 26260

Dolly Sods and the Legacy of Helen McGinnis March 28th Screening
2026-03-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, West Virginia, 26260

Dolly Sods and the Legacy of Helen McGinnis April 1st Screening
2026-04-01 18:00 - 20:00 | West Virginia University Media Innovation Center, 62 Morrill Way, Morgantown, WV, 26506, United States
