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 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
The Glenville State College Department of Land Resources, the GSC Foundation, and the United States Forest Service have partnered to offer internship opportunities for students within the Natural Resource Management program. An agreement was signed between the institutions to formalize this year’s initiative, according to Dr. Rico Gazal, professor of forestry and chair of the … Read more
Students at Bethany College are mapping trees across the school’s historic campus in advance of the arrival of one of the nation’s foremost experts on old-growth forests. So far, members of the school’s Tri-Beta Club have identified about 60 noteworthy trees based on qualities such as size and species, according to Ian Nelson, an environmental … Read more
Clements State Tree Nursery is taking orders for container trees, which will be available Feb. 1, weather permitting, according to West Virginia forestry officials. Located along the Ohio River near Mason, West Virginia, the nursery is owned and operated by the state Division of Forestry and produces and sells bare-root seedlings to landowners in West … Read more
