Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust, Inc.

Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust, Inc. We protect the forests, farms, rural heritage, and waters of the Cacapon & Lost Rivers Watershed

"Don't forget to leave the leaves under your trees!" says Heather Holm, native plant expert.It may seem simple, but thos...
06/01/2026

"Don't forget to leave the leaves under your trees!" says Heather Holm, native plant expert.

It may seem simple, but those fallen leaves provide important habitat for caterpillars, fireflies, native bees, and countless other beneficial insects. Many of these creatures spend part of their lives in the leaf litter and soil beneath trees before emerging to pollinate plants or become food for birds.

That's where the idea of a "soft landing" comes in. By leaving leaves and planting native species beneath keystone trees, we can create healthier habitats that support pollinators, songbirds, and the entire food web.

Sometimes helping wildlife starts with doing a little less.

Learn more and download the Keystone Plants & Soft Landings handout:
www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/softlandings.html

Source: Heather Holm, Pollinators Native Plants

A flying squirrel depends on connected forests to survive. So do countless other species that call the Cacapon watershed...
05/29/2026

A flying squirrel depends on connected forests to survive. So do countless other species that call the Cacapon watershed home.

Protecting land here is about more than scenery. It’s about safeguarding the forests, streams, and habitats that wildlife need to move, feed, nest, and thrive.

This work only happens because people choose to be part of it.

When you support the Land Trust, you are helping protect the future of this watershed and becoming part of a community that cares for these lands and waters together.

If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved, this is an important time to join us.

Join us: www.cacapon.org/get-involved/support-our-work

The proposed MARL transmission line, and the Valley North line expected to follow, could have a major and lasting impact...
05/27/2026

The proposed MARL transmission line, and the Valley North line expected to follow, could have a major and lasting impact on our region.

These proposed transmission lines would cross rivers and streams, forests, farms, and hundreds of private properties, including parts of the Cacapon and North River watersheds.

During the first two weeks of June, the West Virginia Public Service Commission will be holding public comment hearings in the impacted counties. These projects are not a done deal, and community voices are an important part of the process.

Whether you support the project, have concerns, or simply want to learn more, attending the hearings is one way to make sure local perspectives are part of the public record. You can speak in person or submit written comments if public speaking is not your thing.

Hearings begin at 5:30 PM:

• June 4 – Keyser
• June 5 – Romney
• June 10 – Morgantown
• June 11 – Kingwood

Please take a moment to review the attached poster for locations and additional details.

This map from The Nature Conservancy is fascinating.It shows the routes mammals, birds, and amphibians may need to follo...
05/25/2026

This map from The Nature Conservancy is fascinating.

It shows the routes mammals, birds, and amphibians may need to follow as climate change changes habitats over time.

When you zoom into the Cacapon Watershed and West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, our region really jumps out.

Healthy forests, connected ridges, rivers, wetlands, and cold water streams could become even more important for wildlife in the future.

Take a look:
https://www.maps.tnc.org/migrations-in-motion/ #3/19/-78

What stands out to you when you zoom into our area?

Tell us why you think this watershed could be so important for wildlife moving forward?

Looking for some action-packed reality TV?Our partners at Chesapeake Conservancy are live-streaming Tom and Audrey, an ...
05/22/2026

Looking for some action-packed reality TV?

Our partners at Chesapeake Conservancy are live-streaming Tom and Audrey, an osprey couple returning each spring to the same nest on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Catch the chick drama, fish deliveries, and real-time parenting!

Osprey couples, who mate for life, migrate separately thousands of miles each year, then reunite and pick up right where they left off. In the spring, the male often arrives early to repair the nest and wait for his mate to return. It’s one of nature's most remarkable wildlife rhythms!

Once in steep decline, Ospreys have made a strong return thanks to Bay conservation efforts. Here at the Land Trust, we're proud to play a small but important role in this comeback: The lands that we and our landowner partners protect here at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay, helps ensure that these birds can return year after year and thrive.

Tune in to watch it all unfold.

Watch:
https://www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/webcams/osprey

05/20/2026

Have you heard them yet? The bright flash of orange and black may already be back in our watershed.

Baltimore Orioles typically arrive in the Cacapon Watershed and across West Virginia in early May, with some eager travelers showing up in late April. Males usually arrive first, followed by females, returning from their winter homes and often coming back to the very same nesting areas year after year.

These beautiful birds are known for their hanging, woven nests and their sweet tooth. Want to welcome them to your backyard? Orioles love oranges, grape jelly (without artificial sweeteners), and nectar.

Curious where they are showing up? Follow real-time sightings on the Baltimore Oriole Range Map: www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Baltimore_Oriole/maps-range

You can also help scientists track migration and bird populations by sharing what you see on ebird.org.
Every backyard sighting helps build a bigger picture of bird health and movement patterns.

Have you spotted a Baltimore Oriole yet this spring? Let us know in the comments.

05/18/2026

Still thinking about our annual Cacapon River Float and all the people who helped make it such a great day. A special shout out to Andrey and the team at Stoney Creek Country Store and Cacapon River Outfitters for getting us where we needed to go, shuttling paddlers, and providing watercraft along the way. We always love working with you all.

After spending a day out on the river, it got us thinking: what exactly makes the Cacapon so special? We all know it’s beautiful, but there’s a bigger story beneath the surface.

In this video, river expert Mike Selckmann of ICPRB explains why the Cacapon is such a unique and ecologically important river system.

As Mike shares:

"The magic of the Cacapon isn’t only what you see on the surface. It’s the hidden network of springs and groundwater that helps keep this river healthy and supports the wildlife that calls it home."

Those cold, clean waters help sustain trout, mussels, turtles, reptiles, and many other species that depend on this special watershed. Understanding those connections helps us better protect one of West Virginia’s remarkable rivers.

Take a listen and learn more about what makes the Cacapon so important.

Special thanks again to our friends at:
Stoney Creek Country Store: www.facebook.com/StoneyCreekStore
Stoney Creek Camping: www.facebook.com/StoneyCreekWV]

Looking for something peaceful to watch?Our partners at Chesapeake Conservancy are streaming Rell and Eddie, a pair of g...
05/15/2026

Looking for something peaceful to watch?

Our partners at Chesapeake Conservancy are streaming Rell and Eddie, a pair of great blue herons nesting high in the pines on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Set in a busy rookery with dozens of herons, this cam gives you a front row seat to nesting season. Eggs, chicks, and some very crowded nests are all part of the show.

Great blue herons (Great blue heron) return to these rookeries each year to raise their young, building large nests up to 100 feet in the trees. It’s a quiet but incredible glimpse into how these birds live and grow.

Take a minute to tune in. Nature, up close and in real time.

Watch:
www.chesapeakeconservancy.org/webcams/blue-heron

Hunting in the Valley was once a necessity as much as a tradition.For generations, women and girls hunted alongside the ...
05/13/2026

Hunting in the Valley was once a necessity as much as a tradition.

For generations, women and girls hunted alongside the men in their families, helping put food on the table and contributing to daily life in meaningful ways.

Their involvement was never unusual. It was simply part of growing up and living close to the land.

The Rudolph family still remembers Aunt Virginia, born more than ninety years ago, as a “crackerjack shot,” with the photos to prove it.

These stories remind us that women have always been part of the Valley’s hunting traditions.

Read the full blog article:
www.cacapon.org/2026/05/valleyviewhunting/

Address

195 Capon School Street
Capon Bridge, WV
26711

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13048561188

Website

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