Friends of the 500th

Friends of the 500th Friends of the 500th, a nonprofit, supports conservation and public use of Canaan Valley NWR. The Nation’s 500th National Wildlife Refuge.

The Friends of the 500th was established in 1996 as a nonprofit corporation that supports the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Supporting the conservation and public use of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. We work with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and our local community to meet wildlife and biological management objectives, recreational and educational goals, and to support dive

rse programs related to the Refuge. We are part of a network of over 250 Friends groups committed to supporting, protecting and improving National Wildlife Refuge resources. Members are our most important resource and are critical to the success of our organization and to our continued support of projects and educational programs at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Our members contribute in a variety of ways—from providing financial support through membership dues and donations, to actively volunteering. Every member is important in helping our organization continue to grow

Highlights of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge. In 1974, Canaan Valley was designated as a National Natural Landmark because of its extraordinary wetland attributes. In 1994 Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge was dedicated as the Nation’s 500th National Wildlife Refuge with the purchase of an 86-acre wetland tract. Today, the Refuge hosts more than 17,000 acres of special habitat and contains an estimated 580 species of plants and 280 species of animals. Canaan Valley is the largest high elevation valley east of the Mississippi River. The high altitude and cool moist climate sustain a unique northern ecosystem unusual this far south. The valley includes a wetland habitat complex that is regionally significant because of its size and diversity. The American Woodcock is a trust resource (a species of significant importance) of the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and its upland environments are home to two federally threatened or endangered species: WV Northern Flying Squirrel and Cheat Mountain Salamander.

Water, sun, and hopeful thoughts. Put all these together and there surely will be something popping up on the landscape....
06/02/2026

Water, sun, and hopeful thoughts. Put all these together and there surely will be something popping up on the landscape. Join walk leader Frank for this month's What's Blooming Walk on Saturday, June 6, at 10 am. Meet at the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to discover where you will be going and learn more about seasonal wildflowers in bloom!

RISE AND SHINE YOU EARLY BIRDS. TOMORROW!!!It's time to spend a day outside, learning about some new places to visit and...
06/01/2026

RISE AND SHINE YOU EARLY BIRDS. TOMORROW!!!
It's time to spend a day outside, learning about some new places to visit and study nature. Join tour leader Laura on Sunday, June 7, from 8am to 2pm, starting at the Refuge Visitor Center for a tour of lesser-known upper Tucker County recreational sites.

The goal of this event will be to learn about some new places for yourself as well as for folks who ask you “where can I go to?”

This will be a driving, walking, and discussion tour of 4-6 public sites including those at Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Thomas Park, National Youth Science Foundation campus, and the Canaan Valley Wildlife Management Area.

Be prepared to walk a total of about 2 miles on packed trails. Dress for the weather and bring water and snacks as well as lunch.

NOTE: This counts as an elective for the Canaan Valley Master Naturalist Program

📷 USFWS/Dawn Washington

The festivals in this area just keep coming and refuge staff, volunteers from the Friends of the 500th, and AmeriCorps m...
05/27/2026

The festivals in this area just keep coming and refuge staff, volunteers from the Friends of the 500th, and AmeriCorps members will be at the Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival this Saturday from 10 am until 6 pm, and Sunday, from 10 am until 3 pm.

Come by and catch us on the Railroad Grade in Thomas.

The Appalachian Fly Fishing Festival focuses on conservation and education for all ages and the community that makes it all possible.
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Tucker County's annual ArtSpring Festival is coming up this weekend. Drop by the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge ...
05/21/2026

Tucker County's annual ArtSpring Festival is coming up this weekend. Drop by the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center from 10 am-4 pm on Saturday or Sunday to make your own American woodcock craft. This free, self-guided craft is available while supplies last.

Need more information on the ArtSpring schedule, May 22-24, including those at the Refuge? Click on the link below for their nifty interactive pdf.

Annual Celebration of Tucker County Arts

This lovely photo of a common yellowthroat was taken by Sunday's bird walk leader Jim Triplett. Meet Jim at the Freeland...
05/21/2026

This lovely photo of a common yellowthroat was taken by Sunday's bird walk leader Jim Triplett. Meet Jim at the Freeland Boardwalk Sunday, May 24, at 8 am. The Freeland Boardwalk Trail (1119 Freeland Rd, Davis, WV 26260) is a 0.5-mile, accessible boardwalk loop. This program is open to birders of all abilities. We even have spare binoculars if needed!

Beavers. What role do they play in the environment? What impact do they have on the areas they live? Come with us on Sat...
05/21/2026

Beavers. What role do they play in the environment? What impact do they have on the areas they live? Come with us on Saturday, May 23 at 11 am to find out on this guided hike with volunteer Robin! The walk starts at the Freeland Boardwalk, a 0.5-mile, ADA-accessible boardwalk trail.

📷Mike Budd/USFWS

Ahhh, finally spring seems to have arrived and along with it our favorite colors of yellow, pink and all sorts of grades...
05/18/2026

Ahhh, finally spring seems to have arrived and along with it our favorite colors of yellow, pink and all sorts of grades of green.

(198/250) The eastern tiger swallowtail is a large butterfly with yellow wings featuring black stripes. These butterflies can be found across the eastern United States and this time of year, it's mating season. Females lay eggs on a variety of host plants including black cherry, tulip tree and magnolia.

Credit: Jim Hudgins/USFWS

Coming up this Saturday, May 16, at 6 pm. Wild Wonders: Preventing Bird-Window Collisions. Every year, more than one bil...
05/15/2026

Coming up this Saturday, May 16, at 6 pm. Wild Wonders: Preventing Bird-Window Collisions. Every year, more than one billion birds collide with glass in the U.S. alone. The good news: these threats to birds are preventable! There are numerous actions we can all take to save birds at our homes, schools, businesses, and elsewhere within our communities. Join Casey Rucker for a presentation on how we can do our part to help our feathered friends at the Visitor Center, 6263 Appalachian Hwy in Canaan Valley.

Photo credit: Jeanne Donaldson | Portland Audubon

Want to know which birds are showing up in Canaan Valley right now? While scouting today several Chestnut-sided warblers...
05/07/2026

Want to know which birds are showing up in Canaan Valley right now? While scouting today several Chestnut-sided warblers and an Indigo bunting were spotted! We hope they stick around for a few days.

For the inside story join bird walk leader Laura on Saturday, May 9 at 8 am at the Beall Trail parking lot to discover who's visiting the refuge! No prior birding experience is required—we even have spare binoculars!

📷 Chestnut-sided warbler:©️Keenan Yakola/Macauley Library

Address

PO Box 422
Davis, WV
26260

Telephone

(304)8663858

Website

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