"Don't Mine the Mon" Webinar
2025-05-21 13:00 - 14:00 (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 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.

Monongahela Action and Skills Camp
2026-06-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Yew Mountain Center, 9494 Lobelia Road, Hillsboro, West Virginia, 24946
