This fall, conservationists, advocates, and neighbors from across the region will gather in Tucker County for a weekend of connection, strategy, and action. The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy’s annual Fall Review is set for October 31–November 2 at Blackwater Falls State Park, and we’d love for you to join us.
As Appalachia faces mounting challenges—policy rollbacks, industrial development, extreme weather, and habitat loss—our communities need strong voices more than ever. The Fall Review is a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, look honestly at the fights ahead, and build the tools and relationships to carry this work forward.
What’s in Store
The weekend will feature conversations with some of the region’s most trusted advocates, attorneys, scientists, and grassroots leaders. Highlights include:
- Federal Policy and Appalachia – what’s happening in Washington, and what it means for our mountains with Lyndsay Tarus, Alliance for Appalachia, and Quenton King, Federal Resource Outreach Manager at Appalachian Voices.
- West Virginia’s Legislative Landscape – the biggest battles to watch at the State Capitol this year with Mike Jones, Conservation Manager at West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Lucia Valentine, Managing Director at the West Virginia Women’s Alliance, and Evan Hansen, member of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
- Keynote with Rafe Pomerance, Policy Fellow at Woodwell Climate Research Center, on the future of climate action.
- Looking Back, Moving Forward – stories and wisdom from veteran West Virginia environmental champions with Pam Moe, Corridor H Alternatives, Jim Kotcon, West Virginia Sierra Club, and Ken Ward, Investigate Journalist and MacArthur Fellow.
- Fundamentals of Organizing – a hands-on session on how to speak up and organize in your community with West Virginia Citizens Action Group.
- A Look into West Virginia’s Stream Fishes – a presentation on Appalachian non-game fishes of West Virginia and their significance to the region by Cameron Layne, member of the West Virginia Native Fish Coalition.
And because no WVHC event is complete without time outside, we’ll also get out on the trails:
- Friday afternoon hike in Dolly Sods with the Dolly Sods Wilderness Stewards
- Saturday morning bird walk
- Saturday late afternoon hike with the Naturalist at Blackwater Falls State Park
- Sunday morning forest bathing
- Sunday morning Pase Point hike with Friends of Blackwater
Schedule at a Glance
- Friday, Oct. 31 – Afternoon hike in Dolly Sods, registration, and a Halloween Party with food, live music, and plenty of time to connect.
- Saturday, Nov. 1 – A full day of panels, keynote, and evening programs, plus guided hikes.
- Sunday, Nov. 2 – WVHC board meeting and the Pase Point hike.
Why It Matters
From protecting public lands to standing up against polluting development, Appalachia needs an active, engaged movement. Whether you’ve been in this fight for decades or are just getting started, the Fall Review is a chance to learn, share, and be part of shaping the future of conservation in West Virginia.
General admission is free, and registration is now open. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation.
Student Scholarships
The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is offering a limited number of scholarships for university students to attend the 2025 Fall Review at Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis, West Virginia, free of charge. The scholarship covers mileage, lodging, and meals so you can fully participate in this important weekend of learning, networking and action. Apply now!
Sponsorships and Donations
Supporting the Fall Review through sponsorships and donations helps us cover the costs of special events, printed materials, communications, and meals—as well as providing scholarships so students and community members with limited funds can attend. Become a sponsor!
Questions? Reach out to Christa Clasgens at christa.clasgens@wvhighlands.org.
Thank you to our event sponsors!
This weekend is made possible through the generous support of our partners and sponsors:
American Water Charitable Foundation (amwater.com)
A national philanthropic arm of American Water that invests in communities through grants and matching gifts, focusing on clean water, conservation, education, and disaster relief across its service regions.
West Virginia Rivers Coalition (wvrivers.org)
A statewide nonprofit dedicated to conserving and restoring West Virginia’s rivers and streams, empowering communities through education, volunteer monitoring, and advocacy for clean water for all.
West Virginia Native Plant Society (wvnps.org)
This organization has worked for over 40 years to promote the appreciation, conservation, and study of West Virginia’s native flora through education and voluntary action.
Established in 1996, this nonprofit supports the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge (the 500th national wildlife refuge), partnering with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and local community to further conservation, education, and recreation goals.
Canaan Valley Spa and Wellness Center (canaanvalleyspawv.com)
A retreat in Davis, West Virginia offering therapeutic and rejuvenating services—such as yoga, infrared sauna, and massages—with a focus on wellness, relaxation, and personal transformation in a mountain setting.
Appalachian Voices (appvoices.org)
An environmental advocacy nonprofit founded in 1997, committed to protecting Appalachia’s land, air, and water, ending harmful fossil fuel practices, and advancing a just transition to clean energy in the region.
Tiano O’Dell PLLC (westvirginiapersonalinjurylawyer.net)
A Charleston-based law firm that represents West Virginians in personal injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice cases—advocating for just compensation and dedicated support after life-changing injuries.
Your participation and support help ensure that the Highlands remain wild, healthy, and protected for generations to come.