Will ReedyWill Reedy

Will Reedy is a West Virginia writer and contributor to West Virginia Explorer Magazine whose work focuses on hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. Through essays and feature writing, he explores the landscapes, communities, and traditions that define West Virginia, bringing a thoughtful perspective to stories about heritage, travel, and everyday Appalachian life.
Skiers cavort at Canaan Valley Resort in West Virginia

Sign up for WVExplorer Newsletter to win free ski getaway

Sign up for the West Virginia Explorer newsletter by January 15, 2018, and be entered to win a two-day, two-night ski getaway at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center. The drawing is one of many annual drawings offered to recipients of the West Virginia Explorer newsletter, according to publisher and editor-in-chief David Sibray. “Once you’re … Read more

Monster Trout Stocking

With changes, W.Va. trout stocking begins Jan. 2

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will start its 2018 trout stocking season January 2, though two stocking locales will be added to the schedule and one will be removed, according to Paul Johansen, chief of the division’s wildlife resources section. The 2018 stocking schedule contains several changes, Johansen said. The Greenbrier River in Pocahontas … Read more

Vacationers arrive at cabin near Fayetteville., West Virginia

West Virginia’s New River Gorge an ultimate winter retreat

Though whitewater rafting on the New River may have ended for the season, winter in the New River Gorge is an ideal time for woodland retreats, says a spokesman for one of the region’s chief outdoor-recreation resorts. Dave Arnold, vice-president of Adventures on the Gorge, says focus naturally shifts to growth and introspection during what … Read more

Anthony Scott, a shop foreman at Richwood Creations

West Virginian independence fueling crafts industry

The spirit of West Virginia independence is helping fuel its growing crafts industry, says an online merchant and the founder of Our-WV.com. Paul Thompson, of Buckhannon, who launched the site that represents more than 110 Appalachian artisans six years ago, says more West Virginians are turning to the Web to market arts and crafts when … Read more

Alliance urges Manchin, Capito to support preservation incentives

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is urging U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., to support the availability of historic tax credits utilized to attract investment in small towns nationwide. Many developers, property owners, and members of the alliance are concerned that tax reforms being proposed by Congress could eliminate credits … Read more

A black bear hides in a thicket in rural West Virginia

State to poll residents regarding black bears in W.Va.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting a study of state residents’ opinions on and attitudes toward black bears and black bear management. According to Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the division, residents may receive a phone call from Responsive Management, a research firm contracted to conduct the study, asking them … Read more

Heron at Beech Fork State Park

Heron Festival set for Oct. 14 at Beech Fork State Park

Beech Fork State Park near Huntington, W.Va., will host its 2017 Heron Festival on Saturday, Oct. 14. A celebration of one of the park’s most notable residents, the event is also a day for family fun, including free pontoon boat and hayrides, children’s games, art and crafts, gospel music and other events and activities, according … Read more

Moving Clouds By Arthur Harvey in West Virginia

Hidden History photo exhibit moving across southern W.Va.

Southern West Virginia’s rich history is celebrated annually through winning photographs featured in the 2017 Hidden History photo exhibit now on display in Logan. According to Jodi French-Burr, organizer of the competition, the historically based photographs by West Virginia photographers are on display at the Country Roads Visitor Center in Logan. First displayed at Tamarack, … Read more

Biologists are predicting a good season for small-game trappers and hunters.

Small-game hunting seasons in W.Va. commence mid-October

Hunting and trapping seasons for small game in West Virginia will commence in mid-October, and wildlife biologists with the state Division of Natural Resources are predicting good opportunities for success this season. An increase in the availability of mast this year and a mild winter in 2016-2017 should contribute to a bountiful season, according to … Read more