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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
Instructor Josh Sapio tends a fire lighted from flint.
Recreation

Survival and bushcraft school opens in New River Gorge region

by David Sibray

Much of America’s newest national park may be teeming with visitors this summer, but the vast areas of woodland beyond are likely to remain as untracked as ever, ideal for the region’s newest venue for outdoor recreation—New River Survival and Bushcraft. Launched by some of West Virginia’s most knowledgeable outdoorsmen, the wilderness-survival school has opened … Read more

Hikers ascend the Allegheny Front at Dolly Sods in northeastern West Virginia.
Communities

Governor launches “Ascend WV” remote-worker program

by David Sibray

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice today announced the launch of the state’s premier remote-work program, aimed at recruiting outdoor enthusiast professionals to the Mountain State. Called “Ascend WV,” the program is being supported by West Virginia native and Intuit Chairman Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys, and will allow adventurers to enjoy world-class recreation, … Read more

RV and tent campgrounds are expanding at Adventures on the Gorge.
Camping

Resort expands camping to welcome New River Gorge guests

by David Sibray

The increased visibility of America’s newest national park has prompted one of the region’s largest outdoor-adventure resorts to expand its campground. Adjacent to the newly established New River Gorge National Park, the Adventures on the Gorge resort is adding new tent-camping and RV sites at its Chestnut Ridge campground off the US-19 expressway near the … Read more

A W.Va. DNR biologist displays a striped tiger trout.
Fishing

W.Va. to stock striped tiger trout statewide in April, May

by David Sibray

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will stock tiger trout in lakes and streams around the state for the first time in decades, according to the governor’s office. West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, a longtime angler, announced the initiative this week while touting the economic benefits of expanding the state’s sport fishing industry. “This … Read more

Two hunters await the opportunity to take a West Virginia spring gobbler.
Hunting

Spring gobbler season expands from four to five weeks

by David Sibray

Beginning this year, West Virginia’s statewide spring gobbler season will run for five weeks instead of four, according to Mike Peters, wild turkey project leader for West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The 2021 season opens Monday, April 19, the third Monday in April but now ends Sunday, May 23, eight days later than last … Read more

West Virginia cities — WVU at Morgantown
Communities

WVU prepares for semester facing possible rise in covid

by David Sibray

The spring 2021 semester at West Virginia University begins on January 19, and WVU officials are urging students and employees to exercise extreme caution. The largest university in the Mountain State, enrollment at its main campus in Morgantown usually exceeds 25,000 annually while more than 29,000 enrolled statewide, including those at its new southern campus … Read more

A newly poured ale awaits a customer in a West Virginia brewery.
Agriculture

Program pairs W.Va. farmers, craft beverage producers

by David Sibray

The craft beverage industry in West Virginia is getting a boost from the Robert C. Byrd Institute, which has launched an initiative to expand the use of specialty crops in state-made drinks. Bill Woodrum, director of the institute’s entrepreneurship and agricultural programs, said the burgeoning industry can help boost the growth of other state industries … Read more