West Virginia Land Trust

08/21/2026

Have you ever noticed the river's garden aka scour zone? Check out this with our Land Protection Director Amy Cimarolli!

08/18/2026

📢 Special Places Celebration sponsor spotlight! We are grateful for support from Steptoe & Johnson PLLC! 😍

“Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is proud to support the West Virginia Land Trust and its work to conserve the places that make West Virginia special. We are committed to helping the communities we serve and being thoughtful stewards of the places we call home.”

Can we count on YOU to join us in Charleston on Sept. 10?🧐Get tickets and details at www.wvspecialplaces.org

08/15/2026

Tucked away, near the Virginia border, lies a property that is rarely seen, where wildlife thrives….

While the West Virginia Land Trust has many properties open to the public, we have several others where humans are not encouraged to visit, in order to protect the flora and fauna that call that property home.

On a recent annual monitoring trip, staff got to see a healthy dose of mushrooms, due in part to the higher than average precipitation that has occurred across the state since late July.

Driving along the entrance road to the property, staff also encountered deer, half a dozen turkey, and a hawk whose meal we interrupted as on our way past.

Please enjoy a snapshot view of this Special Place. 💚

08/14/2026

One of our favorite things about protecting West Virginia’s special places is getting to share them with YOU! 💙💛

And next week, we get to do exactly that!

We’re heading to Morgantown for two opportunities to spend some time together; to connect with our wonderful community and to experience conservation firsthand.

🤝 FIRST, MEET & GREET | Thursday, August 20 | 6PM–8 PM
Spend an evening with WVLT staff, board members, friends, and fellow lovers of West Virginia. We’ll be gathering at The Co-op for light appetizers, great company, and plenty of time to catch up, meet someone new, and talk about the special places we all care about.

🌲 THEN, GET OUT & EXPLORE | Friday, August 21 | 10 AM–3 PM
The next morning, we’re taking the conversation outside! Join us as we explore Airport Park & Preserve and Big Sandy Preserve and experience conservation firsthand. We’ll walk the land, hear the stories behind its protection, talk about what comes next, and see how conservation can create more opportunities for recreation, protect clean water and wildlife habitat, and strengthen the communities around these special places.

✨ Join us for some fun on Thursday, an adventure on Friday, or, better yet, both!

There’s no cost to participate, but space is limited, so let us know you’re coming:

🔗 RSVP today and save your spot: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/TSypBG7Fqx5e9RWLf5wpOg

08/13/2026

Get your tickets today for our 25th Annual Special Places Celebration - celebrating the land we love and honoring the people who protect it! This year’s event will feature a short film screening by Allegheny Image Factory, specialty cocktails, and local cuisine by Chef Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge Restaurant & Catering .

More details and tickets at www.wvspecialplaces.org

08/10/2026

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The West Virginia Land Trust plans to develop a new "Grounding Garden" at the Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve in Doddridge County, offering residents a dedicated space designed to boost physical and mental health through direct connection with nature.

The project has received financial commitments from both AARP and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.

A grounding garden is a public space that invites visitors to directly connect with the earth through sensory-rich, mindful activities, such as walking barefoot on grass.

“This was an incredibly competitive year, but your project stood out among the 5,100 applications nationwide. We are delighted to select your proposal and look forward to working with you!” the AARP Community Challenge Team said in a statement.

Additional financial assistance is provided by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates and its affiliate, the Doddridge County Community Foundation.

The foundation connects charitable resources across an 11-county service area, awarding grants annually through unrestricted and field of interest endowment funds as well as donor-advised funds.

“The PACF is glad to help support this project, which benefits individuals by helping more people connect with nature and also supports the community by increasing access and activities at this special location within Doddridge County. We hope the Grounding Garden inspires more residents and visitors to explore the Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve and enjoy the many benefits of spending time outdoors,” said Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, PACF senior program officer.



Read the full article here:

WEST UNION, W.Va. — The West Virginia Land Trust plans to develop a new "Grounding Garden" at the Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve in Doddridge County, offering residents a

08/06/2026

Meet the People. Explore the Places. 💙💛

Join the West Virginia Land Trust for two incredible opportunities to connect with the people and places that make West Virginia so special.

We'll kick things off on Thursday, August 20 with a relaxed evening at The Co-op in downtown Morgantown. Enjoy light appetizers, a complimentary drink, and great conversations with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, conservation supporters, and friends of West Virginia.

Then...come experience conservation firsthand. We'll head into the field on Friday, August 21, to visit our Airport Park & Preserve and Big Sandy Preserve, where you'll discover how protecting land creates opportunities for recreation, safeguards clean water, supports wildlife, and strengthens our communities.

You'll walk the trails, hear the stories behind these special places, and get a firsthand look at the exciting vision for the future of both preserves.

We hope you can join us for the Meet & Greet, the field trip, or, better yet, both. ✨

🔗 Reserve your spot today: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/TSypBG7Fqx5e9RWLf5wpOg

Come for the community. Stay for the adventure. 💚

07/31/2026

🐾 Tails on Trails Hike Update 🐾

Unfortunately, due to a scheduling conflict, our Tails on Trails Hike in Charleston that was meant for tomorrow will be rescheduled to a later date.

While we don't have a new date confirmed yet, we'll be sure to notify everyone who expressed their interest on updates for the event.

Thank you for your flexibility and support. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you and your four-legged friends on the trail soon! 🐾💚

07/31/2026

🚨 Last day to register for our Tails on Trails event in Charleston! 🐾

Looking to make a difference this weekend? Join us as we help build the confidence of shelter dogs while giving them the chance to let their personalities shine on the trails.

We'll have water for both volunteers and pups, plus treats and pup cups for our four-legged hiking buddies! 💚

🎒 Don't forget to come prepared!
Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers, a reusable water bottle, and snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.

Reserve your spot today by RSVPing at WVLandTrust.org/Events.

We can't wait to see you there! 🐶

07/30/2026

Looking for a fun way to spend your Saturday outdoors? 🌿🐾

Join us and the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association for a special Tails on Trails hike as we take shelter dogs on an adventure at Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve in Charleston!

📅 This Saturday, Aug. 1st
🕙 10:00 a.m.

These hikes give shelter dogs a chance to enjoy the outdoors, socialize, and show off their wonderful personalities while spending time with caring volunteers.

If you'd like to join us, be sure to RSVP so we know how many pups can come along for the adventure!

We can't wait to see you there! 💚

📍 RSVP at WVLandTrust.org/Events