Botany and Forestry

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians are increasingly turning to their native resources for diversion and sustenance, and bee-keeping has certainly enjoyed renewed interest. More than 13,300 bee colonies are registered in the Mountain State, producing almost 245,000 pounds of honey annually. Therefore, maintaining pollinating plants is of increased economic importance to West Virginia honey producers … Read more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia University urban forester is developing a method, with the help of artificial intelligence, to identify trees at risk of falling on power lines and causing blackouts. According to Greg Dahle, associate professor of arboriculture and urban forestry at the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, downed … Read more

SHADY SPRING, W.Va. — Frequent visitors to the West Virginia woodlands, especially to the mountain counties, are likely familiar with this evergreen groundcover. Though inedible, the plant was harvested to the point of becoming rare for two peculiar reasons. Diphasiastrum digitatum, or Lycopodium digitatum, as the plant is scientifically known, is so common in the … Read more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While the ease and convenience of an artificial Christmas tree has genuine appeal, a West Virginia University professor and forest resource specialist is making the case for the authentic look and smell of a fresh-cut tree. Purchasing live trees from local sources puts a maximum amount of money back into the local … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The U.S. Forest Service has been awarded $1.5 million to plant trees in disadvantaged communities in West Virginia. Though the state is renowned for its forests, many cities and towns lack trees, especially in disadvantaged areas where trees have been removed. Wealthy neighborhoods, with tree-lined streets, are often more shaded than their … Read more

ELKINS, W.Va. — The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area is accepting proposals for funding for programs that support tourism development, community partnerships, and the preservation and interpretation of cultural and natural resources in its 18-county territory. Grant requests can be from $1,000 up to $20,000, and applications are due July 31, 2023. The expected project … Read more

GLENVILLE, W.Va. — Friends, family, and coworkers of Glenville State University graduate and West Virginia Division of Forestry employee Cody Mullens are working to establish a scholarship fund at Glenville State University in his honor. The scholarship aims to support a student interested in pursuing a degree in Forest Technology through Glenville State’s Department of … Read more

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

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the Kanawha Garden Club and the West Virginia Native Plant Society are urging gardeners and property owners across West Virginia to plant native species and have established April as Native Plant Month in West Virginia. The Native Plant Month proclamation by Governor Jim Justice was set February 20, 2023, according … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Forestry are urging West Virginians to be cautious of burning amid dry, windy winter conditions. Assistant State Forester Jeremy Jones said high winds, warm temperatures, and a lack of rain and snow have conspired to create inflammable conditions. “Our winter hasn’t seen as much precipitation as … Read more