Botany and Forestry
Risk of West Virginia wildfires increases in 2025 amid dry autumn conditions
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The crackle of autumn leaves underfoot is a familiar sound in West Virginia, but this year those leaves carry more than just the promise of fall. Dry weather, gusty winds, and lower-than-average rainfall have created a perfect recipe for West...
Pink or white — which rhododendron bears the official W.Va. state flower?
GRANDVIEW, W.Va. — Two prominent species of rhododendron bloom in West Virginia in spring and...
Whispers in the Forest: The secret world of W.Va.’s wild ferns
RENICK, W.Va. — Ferns may be among the most overlooked plants in the West Virginia woodlands,...
Sarvis Tree blossoms signal the arrival of mountain spring in W.Va.
SANDYVILLE, W.Va. — Seasons can come and go in the temperate regions of the world with many false...
Wildflower event April 12 explores history of St. Albans, West Virginia
SAINT ALBANS, W.Va. — Four prehistoric trails once converged where the Coal River joins the Kanawha River, and this lesser-known fact helps set the stage for the 11th annual wildflower walk at Saint Albans City Park. Long ago, Native American warriors and, later,...
Spring’s pink-flowering redbud trees guided early West Virginia settlers
HINTON, W.Va. — Blossoming across the eastern U.S. in spring, redbud trees were notably important during the settlement of the Appalachian Mountains, where they indicated the presence of some of the best soil for farming. Today, the pink-blooming trees, which also...
Five spring wildflowers you’ll likely encounter in West Virginia
LEWISBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia woodlands burst into color in spring. During that brief period, wildflowers put on a colorful show, attracting bees and butterflies before the trees leaf out and the sunlight dims. Native plant specialist Barry Glick has identified...
Forest lore: Is it true that moss grows only on the north side of trees?
BARKERS RIDGE, W.Va. — You might have heard that moss grows only on the north sides of trees. That bit of lore originated as a way to help travelers navigate strange forests. The mossy north face of a tree, or so it was said, could serve as a natural compass. It is...