Friends of the Cheat

06/11/2026

05/31/2026

The 2026 Cheat Fest McClumsy hat drops this Wednesday June 5th at 9 am on McClumsy’s website. Limited stock so get them while you can!

Proceeds benefit Friends of the Cheat.

05/12/2026

This summer, adventure is just a splash away!

The Friends of the Cheat Snorkel Club is looking for organized groups of kids ages 8 and up to uncover the magic of the Cheat River watershed. With guidance from our knowledgeable educators, kids will get an unforgettable up-close look at the incredible underwater world hiding beneath the surface.

Fill out our inquiry form at www.cheat.org/snorkeling and we'll be in touch!

05/08/2026

The best seat in the house? A blanket on the grass. 🌿

This summer, we're bringing back 3 FREE Community Concerts to the Cheat River Trailhead Park — a gorgeous riverside spot with fishing ponds, 3 miles of Rail Trail, river access, and plenty of green space.

Spend your Friday evening outside with live local music, food trucks, activities for the kids, and the best people around — your community.

Dates are:
June 5th 6-8pm music by Grace Campbell
July 10th 6-8pm music by Aristotle Jones
July 31st 6-8pm music by Hello June

Parking by donation | All proceeds support Friends of the Cheat

04/28/2026

FOC's partnership with the West Virginia Nature Conservancy is a true collaboration - merging terrestrial and aquatic restoration goals all the while helping us amplify and fund our work in the Upper Blackwater. We are grateful for their support and look forward to what the work brings downstream. You can join TNC and FOC at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge to learn more on May 13, including what is going on with Brook trout in the valley 🐟🌎🦫💧

04/17/2026

Come out and join us to clean up Route 26 around the Fest Site this Sunday at 10am!
We will meet at the FOC Campground/Fest Site by the Back Gate.
Glove, vests, pickers, and trash bags will be provided.

04/16/2026

The 2026 Whitewater Access Campaign has kicked off! An anonymous donor has pledged a $20K match, so every dollar goes twice as far. Learn more and donate at https://cheat.org/2026-whitewater-access-campaign/

We’re continuing to build momentum on the Cheat River Narrows after purchasing The Caves/YaYa's Landing access in 2025. We’re now focused on securing/improving the Driveway put-in and making upgrades at the Cheat River Trailhead take out.

Your support helps us protect and improve public river access for the long-term. $100 renews your FOC membership, and $300 makes you a Cheat Fest VIP - donate today!

01/27/2026

Friends of the Cheat is seeking a friendly, reliable Campground Host for our primitive riverside campground + festival site in Albright, West Virginia.

This work/trade position is ideal for a remote worker, retired individual, or couple who enjoys the outdoors, meeting new people, and supporting conservation-minded recreation and events.

✅ Responsibilities include:
• Being regularly present on-site (especially weekends + during events)
• Greeting campers and creating a welcoming experience
• Collecting camping fees + helping with reservations
• Basic upkeep (mowing, cleaning, trash removal, etc.)
• Helping support FOC events and rentals as needed
• Serving as a forward-facing representative of Friends of the Cheat

🏕️ Compensation:
This work/trade position includes a free campsite with basic amenities for the duration of the hosting term, with additional benefits depending on experience and availability.

📅 Position term:
Flexible between April 1 – October 31, 2026
One-month minimum stay required (multiple hosts throughout the season are possible).

Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/2p779s7t

01/14/2026

We are NOT giving up on our promise to clean up acid mine drainage.

The House passed a bill last week that would “repurpose” $500 million meant for cleaning up environmental and safety hazards caused by decades of coal mining.