Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative

06/08/2026

We want to take the pulse of the outdoor recreation economy in the greater Charleston area, and we'd love your perspective.

This June, we're hosting two Outdoor Business & Industry Conversations, creating opportunities to connect with others who care about the future of West Virginia's outdoor economy.

These gatherings are designed for business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, outdoor recreation partners, and anyone interested in how West Virginia's outdoor assets support business growth, workforce attraction, and thriving communities.

No presentations. No panels. Just honest conversation about what's working, what's challenging, and where opportunities exist for businesses, communities, and the outdoor recreation economy.

Charleston Outdoor Business & Industry Conversation
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
8:30–10:00 AM
Charleston Ascend Basecamp
1116 Smith Street
Charleston, WV 25301
Register:
https://hubs.li/Q04kvX7B0…

06/08/2026

This week: Join us for the "Conservation as Catalyst: How Land Protection Supports West Virginia’s Outdoor Economy"

Wednesday, June 11 | 11:00 AM ET

Discover how the West Virginia Land Trust protects the natural assets that power our outdoor economy. With over 20,000 acres permanently conserved, WVLT safeguards the lands that attract visitors, support outdoor businesses, and strengthen communities across the state.

In this WV Outdoor Economy Webinar, Executive Director Brent Bailey and Stewardship Director Adam Webster will share:

→ How land conservation creates the foundation for recreation and economic growth
→ Real West Virginia examples where protected lands enhance public access and opportunity
→ Practical insights for community leaders, planners, and recreation professionals

Everything we need is already here—our natural assets, our resilient communities, and our commitment to building a thriving outdoor economy.

Register now and review event details to plan your attendance: https://hubs.li/Q04ktFHs0

06/03/2026

Want to learn how to build trails? ⛏️

Join us Saturday, June 6 from 9AM–4PM at Forks of Coal Natural Area for a FREE, hands-on trail building workshop!

The day kicks off with an interactive classroom session on the fundamentals of trail design, construction, and maintenance. Then it’s time to hit the trails to work on trail maintenance and enhancement under the guidance of experienced instructors.

No need to bring a shovel—we’ve got all the tools and equipment covered.
Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04jXQ2f0

Presented by the WV Trail Training & Education Resource Center in collaboration with Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance and West Virginia DNR.

📍: Forks of Coal Natural Area.

05/30/2026

Join our upcoming free webinar, Conservation as Catalyst: How Land Protection Supports West Virginia’s Outdoor Economy, on Wed, June 11. The West Virginia Land Trust’s Brent Bailey and Adam Webster will discuss how easements and acquisitions expand recreation access, protect water and working lands, and fuel local growth. Real WV projects like Needleseye and Moulton Park will be featured. Part of the WV Outdoor Economy Webinar Series from the WVU Brad & Alys Smith OEDC. Register to save your spot at: https://hubs.li/Q04jplXj0 .

05/20/2026

Want to learn how to build trails? ⛏️
Join us Saturday, June 6 from 9AM–4PM at Forks of Coal Natural Area for a FREE, hands-on trail building workshop!
The day kicks off with an interactive classroom session on the fundamentals of trail design, construction, and maintenance. Then it’s time to hit the trails to work on trail maintenance and enhancement under the guidance of experienced instructors.
No need to bring a shovel—we’ve got all the tools and equipment covered.
Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04hlKLQ0
Presented by the WV Trail Training & Education Resource Center in collaboration with Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

05/15/2026

If you run an outdoor-related business in West Virginia, we want to hear from you.

This spring, we’re bringing together outfitters, guides, gear shops, manufacturers, supporting partners, and other outdoor businesses for a series of casual conversations happening across the state.

We’re talking about:
• what’s working
• what challenges businesses are facing
• what opportunities people are seeing
• and what West Virginia needs to better support outdoor businesses and the people behind them

No presentations. No panels. No formal agenda.

Just real conversation with the people doing the work every day.

Running an outdoor-related business in West Virginia comes with real opportunities and real challenges. These conversations are meant to create space for honest discussion, shared insight, and stronger connections between the people doing the work every day.

Currently scheduled conversations below:

• Martinsburg - 5/18
• Lewisburg - 5/27
• Fayetteville - 5/28
• Charleston - 6/10

Don't see a conversation scheduled in your area? Sit tight. Additional conversations are currently in development across West Virginia.

04/30/2026

04/09/2026

Join us April 18 at Kanawha State Forest for a hands-on Rock Armor Workshop with Logan Chapman, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. ET.

If you spend any amount of time on trails in West Virginia, you are aware of two things: rocks and water. Rock armoring is a fundamental skill for your team out there building trail in the mountain state. Intro to Rock Armor covers why, where, and how to set stones to protect the trail from weather and visitor-caused erosion.

Learn proven techniques to harden trails, protect our natural assets, and strengthen local outdoor economies. Register here: https://hubs.li/Q04bfQm30

04/08/2026

The West Run Trail System project has become a nationally recognized model for shared-use trail design. Strategic methods of collaboration, engagement, and community recreation have allowed this project to grow exponentially. What started as a 3-mile demonstration site has grown into 15+ miles of progressive trail experiences. This shared use design model provides increased accessibility and connectivity.

In 2024 alone the West Run Trail System project harnessed: 2,059 volunteer hours from WVU students & local residents, a $300,000 Recreation Trails Program grant awarded for continued trail system improvements, and more.

To learn more about this project and others like it, visit https://hubs.li/Q0427lfX0.

04/06/2026

Looking to fund your work? The OEDC has a great webinar for you. Grant Readiness: Preparing your Outdoor Infrastructure Project for Funding will discuss how to get your project ready to apply for implementation funding. Join Jesse Cecil for this insightful presentation.

Jesse serves as the Grants and Research Coordinator advancing the land-grant mission of West Virginia University by overseeing and providing centralized external funding development and administration for the Smith OEDC and its community partners.

Register Here: https://hubs.li/Q049G_qp0