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Clyde CraigClyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a staff 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. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
With its three rivers, Summers County became a popular fishing getaway during Miners' Vacation in the 1950s.
Festivals / Events

Historical society celebrates history of W.Va. Miners’ Vacation with fish fry fundraiser

by Clyde Craig

HINTON, W.Va. — The New River Gorge Historical Society will celebrate a cherished tradition of life in southern West Virginia with a community fish fry and historical program on Saturday, June 13, at the Summers County Memorial Building in downtown Hinton, West Virginia. Inspired by the annual “Miners’ Vacation” once observed throughout the New River … Read more

Davie Chinn, David Sibray, and Lori Noble meet at Little Beaver State Park to discuss increased promotion of outdoor recreation.
Economic Development

Chinn, Noble appointed to key leadership roles at West Virginia Explorer

by Clyde Craig

BEAVER, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer President and CEO David Sibray has announced the appointment of Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising for the West Virginia Explorer publications. The appointments come as the leading tourism news and travel guide expands its efforts to support outdoor recreation, heritage travel, … Read more

National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with their community, and become trail stewards.
State Parks, Forests

West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In celebration of National Trails Day, officials at West Virginia State Parks announced a lineup of guided hikes and trail cleanup events across several state parks and forests, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026. Organized nationwide by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, … Read more

Forest projects have included stream restoration, erosion control, invasive plant removal, native tree planting, wildlife habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance.
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities. Funding is provided through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, a program designed to compensate counties that contain large amounts of federally owned land exempt from local … Read more

Each spring, officials field calls about young wildlife that may appear abandoned but in most cases are behaving as they should in the wild.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Biologists in West Virginia warn the public to leave young wildlife alone

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals can harm them, spread disease, and violate state law. Brett McMillion, director of the Canada geese groom at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area. (Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Commerce)[/caption] … Read more

Officials say spring and early summer are periods of increased bear activity as bears emerge from winter dens, search for food, and move through the habitat with cubs.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Bear activity increasing in national parks in W.Va. as officials urge visitors be ‘Bear Aware’

by Clyde Craig

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — As bear activity increases across national parks and public lands in West Virginia this spring and summer, state and federal wildlife officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions while hiking, camping, and exploring the Mountain State’s forests. The National Park Service recently issued a nationwide reminder encouraging visitors to practice bear … Read more

Rocket Boys: the ceremony is one of several activities being hosted across the West Virginia state parks system as part of National Kids-to-Parks Day.
State Parks, Forests

Rocket Boys event at Pipestem headlines kids’ day at seven W.Va. state parks

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The “Rocket Boys” of Coalwood—the small-town students whose homemade rocket experiments inspired a bestselling memoir and Hollywood film—will be honored at Pipestem Resort State Park during the inaugural West Virginia Hall of Fame induction ceremony during National Kids-to-Parks Day on May 16. The event is scheduled to take place from 4-6 p.m. … Read more

Memorial Day weekend travel in West Virginia
Travel / Transportation

Memorial Day weekend travel in West Virginia expected to surge as summer begins

by Clyde Craig

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Memorial Day weekend this year is expected to bring record travel across the U.S., and West Virginia officials, tourism businesses, and travelers are preparing for crowded highways, full campgrounds, and busy outdoor destinations. The American Automobile Association (AAA) projects that 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during … Read more

Pawpaws are among the shade-loving plants that thrive beneath Appalachian hardwood canopies. (WVU Photo/ Raymond Thompson)
Botany and Forestry

Appalachian medicinal plants and edibles can support rural economies, says WVU professor

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — If carefully managed, Appalachian medicinal plants and edibles can help support rural economies and preserve centuries of traditional knowledge, says a West Virginia University professor. Kirsten Stephan, program coordinator of forestry at the Kirsten Stephan, teaching professor of forest resources management and program coordinator of forestry (WVU Photo)[/caption] “By cultivating high-value botanicals … Read more