David Sibray
Officials at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia will temporarily close the Canyon Rim Visitor Center, its primary visitor contact facility, as a result of the covid-19 outbreak. The measure was taken in response to the latest state, local, and federal guidance promoting social distancing to slow the spread of … Read more
Practicing social distancing is one way to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, but practicing emotional closeness may help alleviate the anxiety that the coronavirus can provoke. Julie Brefczynski-Lewis, a research assistant professor in the West Virginia University Department of Neuroscience, part of the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, said that “switching to compassion mode” may … Read more
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice joined state health, education, and emergency response leaders in Charleston today to update residents on precautionary measures being taken to protect the public from the potential spread of novel coronavirus. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, though it’s anticipated that the disease will be reported … Read more
Though there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, Dr. Clay Marsh of West Virginia University is advising Mountaineers to employ precautions when traveling for spring break. The school’s Vice President and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, Marsh says non-essential travel should be limited, and he’s asking students, faculty, and staff to inform … Read more
Residents of the mountain counties of West Virginia have traditionally weathered the ravages of communicable diseases with some success. Isolation here flattened the peak of most outbreaks, with the notable exception of the air-borne “Influenza of 1918.” Outside the mountain counties, epidemics might destroy without restraint, and the cholera outbreak of 1832-1834, which battered the … Read more
Though it lies in the heart of the eastern U.S., West Virginia may offer more than its share of uncrowded vacation experiences. Because of its low population density, it boasts a remarkably well-established infrastructure of less-congested vacation venues, and there are plenty of opportunities to do nothing at all. “Simply driving down to the river … Read more
West Virginia University will temporarily suspend in-person classes the week following spring break then offer online class instruction or other alternative learning options beginning March 30 as it continues to monitor the threat of novel coronavirus. All other online-only classes will continue as originally scheduled. WVU President Gordon Gee made the announcement in a Tuesday, … Read more
To celebrate early spring and Saint Patrick’s Day, ten West Virginia state parks and forests will host Green Day Hikes in mid-March, according to state park officials. The hikes are free to attend and will be led by park naturalists and superintendents. Participants who complete one of the hikes will receive a shamrock patch—an embroidered … Read more
West Virginia is growing rapidly as a destination for flatwater paddling, welcoming a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts who are discovering the magic of its clear-running streams. Proponents say the growth is having a symbiotic effect, energizing the broadly realized sport as well as the communities into which it’s been introduced. Bill Currey, executive director … Read more
LEWISBURG, W.Va. — Thinking of buying forest land in West Virginia? It makes economic sense, according to one of the state’s leading timberland brokers. In one of the most wooded states in the U.S., buyers are investing in greater numbers for good reason, says Richard Grist, a certified state forester and the owner of Foxfire … Read more
