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Bianca Bosworth

Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County home.
Stars spin above the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.
Communities

Nightfall’s Value: Light pollution can diminish real estate worth in W.Va.

by Bianca Bosworth

WINFIELD, W.Va. — An increasing number of new West Virginia residents are being drawn to its rolling hills and quiet valleys to escape brightly lit cities and reclaim the enchantment of pitch‑dark night skies.But while the dark skies represent a precious amenity, the creeping glare of artificial lighting—known as light pollution—is quietly eroding the value … Read more

Keeping poinsettias vibrant starts with bright light, cool temperatures and careful watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. (WVU Extension Photo)
Agriculture

How to keep poinsettias healthy through the holidays—and for years to come

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With their vivid colors and deep holiday roots, poinsettias remain one of the most recognizable plants of the season in West Virginia. Keeping them healthy through the holidays—and even for many years—is easier than many people think.Sven Verlinden, an associate professor at West Virginia University in Morgantown, said poinsettias can stay vibrant … Read more

Thanksgiving in West Virginia by Karolina Grabowska
Culture

West Virginia family communications expert shares Thanksgiving conflict tips

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With Thanksgiving approaching, a West Virginia family communications expert says the stress that builds long before the holiday can set the stage for arguments at the dinner table, but there are effective ways to keep gatherings calm, meaningful, and focused on connection. Jessica Troilo, associate professor and associate dean for research, engagement, … Read more

This year marks the launch of the First Lady’s inaugural Gingerbread House Competition, open to K-12 classrooms and adult participants statewide.
Culture

First Lady invites community for gingerbread contest, mansion tree decorating

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia First Lady Denise Morrisey is inviting students, educators, and artisans from across the state to help celebrate the holiday season through two creative initiatives hosted at the state culture center.This year marks the launch of the First Lady’s inaugural Gingerbread House Competition, open to K-12 classrooms and adult participants statewide.Public, … Read more

keep fall mums blooming
Agriculture

West Virginia University expert shares tips to keep fall mums blooming longer

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The brilliant colors of chrysanthemums, or mums, signal the arrival of fall across West Virginia. But without the right care, these seasonal favorites can quickly dry out and fade before the season’s end, according to a West Virginia University plant expert.“Mums are cool-season flowers, so hot temperatures will cause them to fade,” … Read more

Fayetteville Creates: Kristin Carroll paints a storefront window in Fayetteville on the edge of the New River Gorge.
Arts

Fayetteville Creates turns town into a living arts studio for the New River Gorge

by Bianca Bosworth

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — This winter, the small mountain town of Fayetteville, perched at the edge of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, will swap its usual crowd of rock climbers and whitewater paddlers for a different kind of adventurer—artists.In January 2026, Fayetteville will launch “Fayetteville Creates,” a month-long, town-wide artist residency inviting painters, … Read more