Clyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011.
A spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) adult winged.

Spotted Lanternfly confirmed in Berkeley County

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycormia delicatula), in West Virginia.A small population of spotted lanternflies was detected in the Bunker Hill area of Berkeley County on October 30, and the findings were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.The spotted lanternfly is … Read more

Benison investigates an acidic salt lake in Western Australia.

WVU geologist selected for NASA’s Mars 2020 team

When samples from the Mars 2020 expedition eventually make their way to Earth, the scientists of tomorrow will have a WVU Mountaineer to thank. West Virginia University geologist Kathy Benison is one of 10 scientists selected as a return-sample selection scientist for NASA’s Mars 2020 expedition, responsible for helping determine which rocks and sediments shall … Read more

Adelaide, Australia, extends toward the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Top 5 free things to do in Adelaide, Australia

The capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is also home to the fifth-biggest population in the country. It’s a cosmopolitan city that’s a popular destination with tourists. If you’re visiting, you can hire from a company like DriveNow.com.au and plan a road trip around the surrounding area, though there are plenty of things to do … Read more

West Virginia agriculture is getting a boost, thanks to a grant from the USDA.

West Virginia receives $250,000 in specialty crop grants

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $242,335.25 to ten projects to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia.W.Va. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, praised the value of the projects and of the Specialty Crop Block Grant program for development in the Mountain State.“From education to research, Specialty Crop Block … Read more

A forester manages growth in a West Virginia woodland.

Glenville creates forestry, land surveying scholarships

The Glenville State College Department of Land Resources has announced new scholarships honoring two professors who pioneered the forest technology and land-surveying technology majors within the natural resource management program. The first scholarship, named after Professor Emeritus Ed Grafton, will be available to students majoring in forest technology. The second honors Professor Emeritus Rick Sypolt … Read more

Adam McGill will race in West Virginia at the all-new venue of Summit Bechtel Reserve.

Summit hosts world’s largest off-road series Oct. 12-13

The world’s largest off-road motorcycle and ATV racing series will hold its inaugural Grand National Cross Country at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley, West Virginia, October 12-13.The Yamaha Racing Mountaineer Grand National Cross Country will serve as the penultimate round of the 2019 AMSOIL Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA … Read more

Dairy cattle graze in a meadow.

WVDA to hold dairy industry meetings in November

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is inviting milk producers and the public to discuss the state of the dairy industry in West Virginia and will host five meetings in November to gather input, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt.“The dairy industry is struggling across the country, just as it is here in West … Read more

An acidic stream in West Virginia is revealed by yellow-tinged rocks.

WVU awarded $5 million to build acid mine drainage facility

The West Virginia Water Research Institute at West Virginia University has been awarded $5 million to scale-up its Rare-Earth Recovery Project, which will include a new facility at an acid mine drainage treatment plant near Mount Storm.Provided by the U.S. Department of Energy with the full support of West Virginia’s congressional delegates, the funding will … Read more

The Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility

WVU, NASA partnership soars with $25 million contract

Students at West Virginia University will help ensure space travel is safe for future explorers thanks to the continuation of a long-standing partnership with NASA announced this week. NASA approved a contract of up to $24.9 million for support services at the agency’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification & Validation facility in Fairmont, West Virginia. The … Read more

Officials with the W.Va. Department of Agriculture warn that 18.7 percent of the Mountain State as of October 3, 2019, is under severe drought status.

18 percent of West Virginia under severe drought status

Officials with the W.Va. Department of Agriculture warn that 18.7 percent of the Mountain State as of October 3, 2019, is under severe drought status.The severity is worst in the southern and southwestern counties, notably in Mingo, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Kanawha and adjacent areas.These areas may experience potential crop loss, as well as water … Read more