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
A mason repairs a brick wall.

Registration open for W.Va. historical masonry workshop

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia, in partnership with the City of Weston, is hosting a week-long historic preservation workshop from April 25- 29, 2022 in Weston, West Virginia. The workshop will offer an in-depth introduction to the treatment and repair of historic masonry and include both classroom instruction as well as hands-on experience. Under … Read more

Visitors at Glade Creek Grist Mill

Retired administrator warns against state parks privatization

The West Virginia Legislature this week is considering the privatization of the state’s park system. Mark Wylie, retired parks district administrator and long-time superintendent at Babcock and Watoga state parks is warning West Virginians that the bills have dire implications. “The recent legislative introduction of Senate Bill 485 and its companion, House Bill 4408, means … Read more

Trail riders on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails

Hatfield-McCoy Trails set historic growth record in 2021

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in southern and southwestern West Virginia sold nearly 95,000 trail permits in 2021—the highest number of annual permits sold in a single year, which was also the system’s 21st consecutive year of growth in ridership. Permit sales enjoyed a 46-percent lift over 2020 sales, according to Gov. Jim Justice, and 68 … Read more

W.Va. forestry officials urge caution with outdoor fires

Friday’s high winds and warm temperatures have officials at the W.Va. Division of Forestry asking West Virginians to avoid outdoor burning until conditions improve. Forestry officials cite media reports of multiple brush fires in south-central West Virginia, including Jackson, Kanawha, Lincoln, and Putnam counties. Forestry fire personnel also continue to fight a fire in a … Read more