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David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com
Bloodroot Blooms In The New River Gorge in West Virginia
Botany and Forestry

Wildflower events growing across New River Gorge region

by David Sibray

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Appalachian wildflower events are flourishing in attendance and programming in the New River Gorge region in southern and south-central West Virginia. Thanks in part to the establishment of America’s newest national park, the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, interest in the region’s cultural and natural history is increasing, according … Read more

Spruce forests in the Monongahela National Forest will provide the nation's 2023 Christmas Tree.
Attractions

Monongahela National Forest unveils logo for Christmas tree

by David Sibray

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have unveiled a new logo designed to commemorate the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree, which will be harvested from the Monongahela National Forest in eastern West Virginia. Amy Albright, project manager for the Christmas tree project, unveiled the design, which draws on the mountain beauty of the Monongahela. “All of … Read more

Young Archer In West Virginia
Recreation

Sixty-five schools to compete in W.Va. archery tournament

by David Sibray

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Students from 65 schools will participate in the 18th annual West Virginia Archery-in-the-Schools State Tournament on March 25, according to officials with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Chris Scraggs, the division’s archery-in-schools program coordinator, says the program has blossomed since the Covid 19 pandemic, and the tournament is being … Read more

A farmer plants in a West Virginia garden
Agriculture

W.Va. expands branding to include agricultural supporters

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With supply-chain faults apparent nationally, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is working to bolster agricultural products by expanding the “West Virginia Grown” branding program. According to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, the department has launched a West Virginia Grown partner program to incorporate supporters of local agricultural products. The branding program … Read more

Ramps in West Virginia
Agriculture

Commercial ramp harvest prohibited in Monongahela National Forest

by David Sibray

Digging and eating ramps in the spring is a traditional activity throughout West Virginia, notably within the Monongahela National Forest in its eastern mountains. While collecting ramps for personal use is permitted in the forest within established limits, the commercial harvest of ramps—including the re-sale of ramps collected for personal use—is prohibited, according to Kelley … Read more