Fayetteville’s Wild Weekend
We want to invite you to come on an adventure with us and discover all of the nature that Fayetteville has to offer. We are celebrating what makes Fayetteville so wild with a nature festival from August 10th through the 12th. From educational programs designed specifically for youngsters and adults to guided hikes in the New River Gorge along with adventure activities. Fayetteville’s Wild Weekend will offer a variety of activities and workshops for all ages and interests. Come and celebrate the features, creatures, and culture that make Fayetteville the unique place that it is. Get up close and personal with the Snakes of West Virginia as Roy Moose kicks off our events Friday. Stay tuned for a full schedule of events from nature paddle boarding tours to salamander talks. Join us for our Foraging Workshop on Sunday. We will have a nature market and educational booths set up at the Fayetteville Convention and Visitors Bureau on August 11th from 9am to 1pm. If you would like information on booth space or on the event, email us at info@visitfayettevillewv.com or call 304-574-1500.
Earth Day Walk
On the day before Earth Day, join Executive Director Bill Mills for a hike to some of his favorite places in the Garden. Starting at the Welcome Center, we will be crossing the board walk, and into the Rhododendron and Hemlock forest, ending with the Reservoir Loop. Water flow permitting, we may be crossing Tibbs Run. Walking sticks and appropriate footwear should be considered. Appropriate for all ages. Free. Please pre-register for ALL activities 48 hours in advance at www.wvbg.org. Space is limited, register today! All activities take place at the West Virginia Botanic Garden, 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 unless otherwise noted. Park in the lower parking area. Walks and presentations will last 1.5-2hrs and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Donations are appreciated and can be made online, or at the kiosk by the lower lot. Please refrain from bringing your pet to activities.
Full Moon Hike
Enjoy a light walk down the Greenbrier River Trail State Park to take in the beauty of the full moon.
Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Walks
Hit the trails at Kanawha State Forest for the annual Osbra Eye Memorial Wildflower Walks. One of WV's premiere spring wildflower walks! Multiple hike and leaders. See wildflowers and trees in bloom and learn about the general ecology, insects, and herpetology of the forest. Event includes a Variety of Walks, including Wildflowers, Medicinal/Edible Plants, Trees, Beginning and Advanced Birding. (Be sure to bring a camera & binoculars!). There is also the option of a driving tour. Register at 8:30 a.m. at the swimming pool area. Adults $5; Students under 16, $2. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies for sale. Door prizes, raffle. Walks 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 9:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 6:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended, head wear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 7:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 7:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toe footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 9:00p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 8:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. • Use Full Moon Hike miles as some of the miles hiking if you are enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program. Contact: 304-456-4300
Birding Around the Sun
Observe seasonal changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. This hike will take place on Pigeon Roost/Ridge Roads/Black Bear. Difficult, 4 miles. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before the hike. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them. Contact Sara Miller, Naturalist, 304-558-3500
Birding Around the Sun
Observe seasonal changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. This hike will take place at Range Road and Ellison Pond. Easy to moderate. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before the hike. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars if you have them. Contact Sara Miller, Naturalist, 304-558-3500.
Birding Around the Sun (Easy Hike)
Hike and explore Kanawha State Forest through the seasons with Saturday bird hikes. On these Saturday hikes you will learn about changes in bird behavior, from singing to nesting to migration. Spotted Salamander Trail, .25 miles. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before we embark. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack and binoculars if you have them. Contact: Naturalist Sara Miller, 304-558-3500.
Night Hike by the Full Moon
We may wander through winter's silence broken by a coyote chorus or an owl calling, a snow falling in a hushed forest, or maybe moonlight shining on sparkling snow. We'll also invite stories of winter wildlife encounters and provide some interpretation for flora and fauna winter survival. Meet at Shelter #5 at 6:30 p.m. Dress according to weather; we could be hiking through snow. Hot chocolate will be waiting upon your return. Please bring a light source. KSF Naturalist Sara Miller, 304-558-3500
Birding Around the Sun
Hike and explore Kanawha State Forest through the seasons with Saturday bird hikes. CCC Snipe Trail and Shrewsbury Hollow. Easy with moderate sections. 2 miles. Observe changes in bird behavior, from singing and nesting to migration. Learn about birding, bird ecology, and why birds are important parts of the natural environment. Meet at the Nature Center 15 minutes before departure. Hike locations will be on a rotating schedule, and hike routes will be of varying levels of difficulty. Dress according to hike difficulty and weather. Bring water, a snack, and binoculars. (A few pairs of binoculars are available to borrow.) For questions, contact Naturalist Sara Miller at 304-558-3500. Details can also be found on the Kanawha State Forest Foundation's Facebook page.
Full Moon Hike
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 7:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! Headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water and/or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people) desiring to participate should contact the leader, email below. cassrailroadsp@wv.gov
Full Moon Hike (Cass Scenic Railroad SP)
Full Moon hikes at Cass Scenic Railroad are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy being outdoors in wintry and spring weather. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 6:30p.m. There is no charge to participate. Hike guidelines include: • Fee free activity, but limited to 30 participants. • Preregistration is required. Use email link below or call. • Registration will be confirmed by hike leader. • Meet At The Visitor Center • Hike is approximately 3 miles total. • Walk begins from the Visitor Center to MM 79 On The Greenbrier River Trail and back. • Trail is crushed gravel and minimal grade change. • Dress for the weather. Boots or closed toes footwear, socks, layered outerwear is recommended. Oh! Headwear and gloves could be handy. • Pack a water and/or snack. • Photography is permitted, but flash photography is not. We'll need to retain our night vision. • NO FLASHLIGHTS OR HEADLAMPS. Shining a bright flashlight will diminish your night vision for up to 30 minutes, limiting your view of the night sky and wildlife. You can bring a flashlight for the 'just in case' but refrain from shining – we'll let the moon and stars do that! • Participants should be believe they can complete three miles. You can do it! The Full Moon Hike group will remain together for the duration of the walk/hike. Safety first. • Children must be with a parent or guardian at all times. • Well behaved dogs are allowed. Dogs will rely on their human to keep them on leash and under control. • Due to limited participation (30), large groups (10 or more people)
Cass Scenic Railroad SP – FIRST DAY HIKE
First day hikes are led hikes designed to encourage visitors to enjoy state parks year round and to promote good health and exercise. Meet at the Visitor's Center at Cass, WV at 1:00 p.m. Monica Fleming First Day Hike leader. Walk on the Greenbrier River Trail from the Terminus at mile mark 80.8 (end of Front Street) South to first trail side camping area at 78.5 then back again. Mileage: approx. 4 miles round trip approximate time to complete this First Day Hike is around 2+ hours. Trail is crushed gravel flat downhill in south direction uphill north direction no more than a 2% grade. Join us outdoors for your First Day in 2017.
Great Backyard Bird Count – Kanawha State Forest
Take part with over 100,000 birders from over 130 countries to observe and count bird species, contributing to a massive amout of data used to track "the health of bird populations on a global scale." gbbc.birdcount.org/2016-gbbc-summary/ - It's a nationwide community of birders! Meet at the Kanawha State Forest Nature Center at 2 p.m. We plan to have a feeder count followed by a bird hike. Data collected from the day will be submitted to eBird. Free to the public. Three pairs of binoculars are available for borrow. Join us!
Kanawha State Forest – FIRST DAY HIKE
Start the New Year right with a hike at your local State Forest! Meet in the Pool Parking area at 2 p.m. Bring your hiking shoes. All are welcome. Free to the public. Bundle up for whatever nature brings today! Enjoy the outdoors.
Bluestone State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
A Brisk Bluestone Morning Hike! Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Bluestone State Park. Meet Superintendent Brett McMillion or Assistant Superintendent Joe Swiney at 9:00 a.m. to embrace the new year with this brisk wintry walk. The superintendent's will focus on Bluestone State Parks history as well and winter aspects such as trees and watchable wildlife. Meet at the park office. Coffee and cocoa awaits upon return. No fee to participate. Open to the public. Wear appropriate outwear and footwear for the weather conditions. Get Outdoors! Explore!
Blackwater Falls State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
Take your first step into the New Year with a hike at Blackwater Falls State Park. Meet park naturalist, Paulita Cousin at the Sled Run parking area to embrace the new year with this brisk wintry walk along Forest Road 18 and Lindy Point Trail to one of West Virginia's most spectacular views. Cathedral State Park Ranger, Ben Leedom will be assisting. Blackwater Falls has a healthy attendance and welcome past participants or new hikers for this 1st Day event. This hike is approximately 3 miles round-trip. Sturdy shoes required. Dress appropriately for weather conditions. Please, carry water and a snack. Get Outdoors! Explore! Individual participating in First Day Hikes, when completing an attendance card, receive a First Day Patch via mail. Hikers do not have to be enrolled in the WV State Park Hiking Program to attend the First Day Hike.
White Oak Rail Trail Expo
White Oak Rail Trail is lined with vendors, organizations, services, fundraisers, concessions, flea markets, yard sales, etc. Each year in
North Bend State Park – June 18 – SOUTHERN RAILROAD TRAIL HIKE
Southern Railroad Trail Hike follows the old Southern Railroad Grade that now connects the River Run Campground at North Bend State Park to the dam. The hike is flat and easy to walk on. Meet at the River Run campground check in station. Hike will last about one hour. Find more activities during the week and weekend for families, friends, and youth on the web page below.
Pipestem State Park – July 16 – SUGAR RUN BAND
Sugar Run Band is at Pipestem's Amphitheater! "Pounding Out a Tune" is the bands newest CD. Unlike many bands that label themselves as old-time, bluegrass, country, gospel, etc., Sugar Run offers an eclectic mix of those and other styles of music from the rural South. Band members are Mike Johnson on five-string banjo, as also mandolin and Dobro; Bonnie Johnson on the upright acoustical bass fiddle; Geoff White on fiddle and also guitar and mandolin; Stanley Asbury on guitar; and Rachel Johnson on fiddle. Their website is sugarrunband.com. Sugar Run is is live and on stage at 8:00 p.m. at the Pipestem Outdoor Amphitheater. Fee-based. Adults: $8; Children 6-12: $4; Children 5 and younger free.
Pipestem State Park – June 10-12 – WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
It's a weekend full of survival skills! Join expert Todd Longanacre of Forest Manna Outdoors, LLC as the instructor and trainer. Friday June 10 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. is the Critical C's and how to pack your Bug Out Bag - open to the public. No fee. Saturday, June 11 is full-on survival training and skill development. Limited to 25 participants these activities begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude around 9:00 p.m. There is $50 per person cost to cover materials, etc. Call to register at 304-466-1800. Sunday, June 12 is Birding and Wildlife Identification - Wilderness style beginning at 9:00 a.m. The birding event is fee free and open to anyone interested. Find full details for Wilderness Survival on Pipestem State Park events page. Additional daily activities are also posted.
Beech Fork State Park – June 4 – National Trails Day
It's a pleasant hike/walk on the Nature Trail to celebrate National Trails Day. Meet Naturalist Brian Tabor at 9:45 a.m. behind park headquarters to set out for a walk. For those that want to set foot and hike, there is opportunity. Following the hike, Tabor will be a the boat dock and welcomes your questions as well as renting paddle-boats, etc., for afternoon fun on the water.
2017 Tour de Lake Mountain Bike Race
The 20th riding of the Tour de Lake is the opening race event for the WV Mountain Bike Assoc points series and the USA Cycling West Virginia Mountain Bike State Championship and qualifier for the USAC Mountain Bike Nationals located in 2017 at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. Located at one of the premier trail destinations in West Virginia, the Tour de Lake at Charles Fork Lake has a rich history of mountain biking dating back to the early 1990's. On Saturday, March 25th, the event begins with a USAC Short Track Race at the Ben's Run Trails at Chestnut Ridge Winery. On March 26th, the premier event of the Cross Country (XC) race begins at noon.
Blackwater Falls State Park (4/22-24) BECOMING AN OUTDOOR WOMAN (BOW)
Becoming an Outdoors Woman is a three day, two night event dedicated to instruction about and interpretation of the outdoors and outdoor activities. Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) offers hands-on, outdoor workshops held in a safe, supportive atmosphere with patient, enthusiastic instructors. No experience or special equipment is necessary. BOW is for adult women of all ages and fitness levels. Preregistration is required. Participants stay at Blackwater Falls lodge or cabins, enjoy five meals, all workshop, classes and activities, and other workshop features. You'll find the registration form link on the web address below. An invitation letter, pricing and complete course description is on the registration link.
Pipestem Resort State Park – (3/4) – MEET PIPESTEM – Bird Walk
Bird Walk – Meet in the lobby at McKeever Lodge for a walk to find some of our feathered friends. There will be a limited number of binoculars to use so bring your own if you have them. All skill levels welcome. Bird walk lasts about an hour. More activities posted to the website.
Seneca State Forest – (3/6) – MEET SENECA
Enjoy a cup of coffee or cocoa while visiting with Superintendent Jeff Layfield to learn why generations of family memories have happened here. Ask your questions about cabin and picnic shelter rentals, camping, hiking, and of course the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower rental. That's right, we rent a fire tower at Seneca State Forest. Meet Seneca and enjoy coffee and cocoa from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at the forest office. Enter to win a Seneca t-shirt or mug. The winner will be contacted via email on Monday, March 7. Ask about Pioneer Cabin and campground opening dates for 2016. Consider reserving a cabin or the fire tower for a truly unique experience.
Cacapon Resort State Park – (3/5) – MEET CACAPON
Meet a reservoir! Join the park Naturalist for an afternoon jaunt to ascend the Piney Ridge Trail to the reservoir. Meet Naturalist Renee Fincham at the Lodge at 2:00 p.m. Bring yourself, bring a friend, or bring the family and join park staff for fun, food, and door prizes! What a great way to kick off the (early) spring recreation season! We'll talk about the park, look for any signs of spring, and just enjoy the scenery. Following the hike, hot tea, coffee, cocoa, cookies, and door prizes will be available at the lodge. If you don't take the hike, you should still plan on visiting Cacapon and enjoying refreshments at the lodge. Refreshments from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Watoga State Park – (3/5) – MEET WATOGA
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Watoga State Park is springing forward into 2016. Bring your favorite old time picture of Watoga or one you took on a day you've visited the park to post to the "braggin' board". We'll be adding photos the entire year and inviting you to start the 'memories happen here' montage. Watoga is close to the heart for many folks and families over the years. Come share your favorite memories and help us to create new ones! You're invited to visit and meet park staff to learn about upcoming events and activities in 2016 at Watoga. From 2:00 - 4:00p at the administration building, you'll find hot cocoa and conversation. Learn more about Watoga at the park website link below.
Kanawha State Forest – (3/5) – MEET KANAWHA
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Enjoy a 'Saturday in the Park' with family and friends at the nature and history exhibits in Kanawha State Forest's heated nature center (adjacent to the swimming pool) today from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn about 2016 events sponsored by the Kanawha Trail Club and The Kanawha State Forest Foundation. March 5 Activities: Naturalist Sara Miller will be leading a birding hike at 10:00 a.m. Kanawha Trail Club will lead a hike at 2:00 p.m. Games and warming fires (if cold enough) will be available in the yard. Refreshments will be available in the nature center. Open to the public. Fee-free.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park – (3/5) – MEET DROOP
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. Meet Superintendent Mike Smith at 2:00 p.m. and take about a mile hike at Droop Mountain departing promptly at 2:30 p.m. For those interested at the conclusion of the Droop Mountain hike, visitors will drive to Beartown State Park for a 3:30 p.m. hike/talk with Superintendent Mike Smith. Enjoy an early spring visit to one of West Virginia's best known natural areas.
Camp Creek State Park – (3/5) – MEET CAMP CREEK
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, Camp Creek State Park is springing forward into 2016. You're invited to visit and meet park staff to learn about upcoming events and activities in 2016 at Camp Creek. From 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at the Early Moon Shelter, you'll find hot cocoa or coffee, and conversation. Learn about Camp Creek's Pack In Pack Out camping; book picnic shelters for 2016; sign up for the state park VIPP visitation program; learn about events here at Camp Creek; enjoy the spring horizon. It's almost camping season - check out our camping sites. Camp Creek State Park rents sites year-round, so if the weather is good, come camp.
Beartown State Park – (3/5) – MEET BEARTOWN
Meet Superintendent Mike Smith at 3:30 p.m. for a talk and weather permitted, hike at Beartown State Park. The rock formations in late winter/early spring stand as silent reminders of how great nature is and how time creates awesome natural history venues. Memories happen at this West Virginia's cherished area: Beartown State Park. If this activities starts a little late, wait for Mike. Remember he's leading a Droop Mountain Battlefield one-mile hike that starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. If planning on attending both activities, be at Droop Mountain at 2:00 p.m., hike at Droop and then drive and enjoy Beartown at 3:30 p.m. Contact: Mike Smith, 304-653-4254
Beech Fork State Park – (3/4) – MEET BEECH FORK
Whether March comes in like a lion or lamb, West Virginia State Parks and Forests are springing forward into 2016. It's time for a Friday evening into that good night at Beech Fork State Park. Meet Superintendent Dillard Price and staff at 5:00 (park headquarters building, for an evening hike to take in the sights and sounds of spring emerging at Beech Fork State Park. Open to the public. Fee free. Contact: Dillard Price, 304-528-5794
Babcock State Park – (3/4) – MEET BABCOCK
From 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 4 only, check Babcock State Park's home page and play "I spy something unusual at the mill" as part of Meet Parks weekend. If you see something not normally seen at the mill, when you check our page, email babcocksp@wv.gov. Enter "I spy" and your name in the subject line and type what you saw in your email message. You can write more in your email if you like. We appreciate you checking out the webcam. With your email, you'll be entered into a drawing to win some Babcock swag when you email on March 4, and you'll get offers for discounts on rentals at Babcock in 2016. Have fun with 'I spy' day at Babcock State Park. We'll contact the winner via email and post the name here at the webcam page. Find more Meet Park activities March 4-6, 2016 at wvstateparks.com.
Camp Creek State Park Fall Festival
Enjoy the rich, fall colors of southern West Virginia, while enjoying music and food at one of Mercer County's three state parks. The park features plenty of walking trails, camp sites, picnic areas, playgrounds and other amenities.
Kanawha State Forest – 4/16 – OSBRA EYE MEMORIAL WILDFLOWER WALKS
One of WVs premiere spring wildflower walks! Multiple hike and leaders. Register at 8:30 a.m. at the swimming pool area. Adults $5; Students under 16, $2. Hot dogs, soft drinks, and cookies for sale. Door prizes, raffle. Hikes are from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A variety of walks, including Wildflowers, Medicinal/Edible Plants, Trees, Beginning and Advanced Birding, Photography, etc. (Be sure to bring a camera & binoculars!) Walks are assisted or led by volunteers and employees of the Department of Natural Resources, Handlan Chapter Brooks Bird Club, Mary Ingles Trail Blazers, and the West Virginia Native Plant Society. Learn more at the forest webpage link below.
Pricketts Fort Lecture Series: Birding in Marion County with Joey Herron
Discover the wonderful world of birding as Joey Herron takes you through Marion County and discusses the many species of song birds as well as some of the birds of prey that can be seen at Morris Park and Pricketts Fort as well as some other points in Marion Co. Please were your walking shoes as Joey may want to do a little birding after the lecture (weather permitting). Joey Herron was raised in Lewis Co. West Virginia and has 44 years of birding experience and research. Joey is a 1980 graduate of Glenville State College with a BS degree in Biology. Joey is a master bird bander with the Us Geological Service. He is an instructor for Pierpont Community College Lifelong Learners and is a published author. Free and open to the public.
Cacapon State Park – FIRST DAY HIKE
Let New Year's Day be a perfect opportunity to start 2016 by connecting nature, engaging in physical activity, and promoting healthy lifestyles all year long. Meet at 10:00a at the Cacapon State Park Nature Center to begin exploring the natural beauty of the Ridge Trail. This trail is approximately 1 ½ miles with a few hills. Cacapon State Park is open year-round and features a lodge, restaurant, cabins and more. Learn about other events at Cacapon on the park website, Events/Deals tab. (First Day Hike miles can be used as earned miles in the 2016 Chief's (Hiking) Challenge.