Botany and forestry in West Virginia are vital to the state’s natural heritage, economy, and outdoor recreation. With lush forests covering nearly 80% of its landscape, West Virginia is home to diverse plant species, old-growth woodlands, and thriving hardwood industries. The study of botany helps preserve native flora and supports conservation efforts, while sustainable forestry practices ensure healthy forests for wildlife, timber production, and scenic beauty. Visitors and researchers alike explore West Virginia’s state forests, botanical gardens, and nature trails to experience the state’s remarkable biodiversity and learn about responsible forest management that keeps West Virginia green and vibrant for generations to come.
Officials with the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve say the expansion of the park’s annual wildflower event from one weekend to two months and from one park to many called for a name change. Formerly known as the “New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend,” the regional celebration of ecology in southern West Virginia has … Read more
During this Corona pandemic, silver linings aren’t that difficult to uncover. Take the air in our major cities: at no time in our industrial age has that air has been this clean. People talk about social distancing: we invented social distancing in West Virginia. With more than 25,000 square miles and fewer than 1.8 million … Read more
Officials with the West Virginia Division of Forestry are seeking information from the public regarding a wildfire that occurred in the Clay Run area of Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown, West Virginia. The cause of the fire is officially undetermined at this time. The division’s Special Operations Unit and Region 1 personnel are actively … Read more
Officials with the West Virginia Division of Forestry are reminding the public to be cautious throughout spring fire season and follow safe burning laws. Between January 1 and March 25, 2021, the division reported 312 fires, and nearly 3,000 acres burned. During the same period in 2020, the division counted 158 fires and 632 acres … Read more
Before we commence chatting about my favorite fern of all time, let’s get the nomenclature out of the way (nomenclature: a fancy, two-bit word for the name of the plant). We use a binomial system (binomial: a fancy two-bit word for two names) created by the Swedish naturalist and plant explorer Carolus von Linnaeus in … Read more
Glenville State College in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry is offering forestry certifications as part of the school’s expanding Forest Technology program. Aside from earning an Associate of Science in Forest Technology or a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management with a major in Forest Technology, students in those programs are … Read more
The West Virginia Division of Forestry is announcing a sign-up period for the Forest Stewardship program counties in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in the state’s eastern panhandle. The program assists landowners with the management of forest on properties in Grant, Hardy, Morgan, Hampshire, Mineral, Berkeley, Pendleton, and Jefferson counties. According to a release from the … Read more
West Virginia State University will host a free online workshop on forest-management planning for West Virginia farmers and landholders on Thursday, June 18, at 4 p.m. “Anyone with woodland on their property will benefit from this session,” said WVSU Extension Agent Kristie Martin. “Join us to learn how you can make the most of your … Read more
This here story is a tale about a very interesting native plant that just happens to be one of the many species of orchids that grow wild in our lush mountains and valleys. Some may find it hard to believe that orchids grow in West Virginia, but it’s no fantasy. More than 20 species grow … 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
