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Trail Segments — The Sheepskin Trail
by Duane Nichols 09 Jul '22

09 Jul '22

https://www.sheepskintrail.org/trail-segments Sent from my iPad, DGN

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Forest Service Open House, Parsons, June 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm
by Duane Nichols 20 Jun '22

20 Jun '22

> Subject: Forest Service Open House, Parsons, June 22 @ 6 to 7:30 pm > > > The Upper Cheat River Water Trail > June 17 at 10:26 PM · > The Forest Service is having an open-house June 22 6-7:30pm in Parsons. It concerns the #UpperCheatRiver proposal to clearcut 3,500 acres of older forest including #oldgrowth. visit Speak For The Trees Too or see below for details > > > Speak For The Trees Too > June 17 at 9:35 PM · > Forest Service is hosting an open-house June 22 at 6-7:30pm in Parsons at the firehouse. Here's a chance to give your opinion in person on the #UpperCheatRiver proposed project to #clearcut 3,500 acres of older forest. Or send jonathan.morgan(a)usda.gov the district ranger your opinion. > > >

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TDS Values of Local Interest
by Duane Nichols 27 May '22

27 May '22

Measurements from 4 PM today, Friday, May 27. Total dissolved solids (TDS) measured as conductivity ..... Conductivity is measured in micromhos per centimeter (µmhos/cm) or microsiemens per centimeter (µs/cm). Distilled water has a conductivity in the range of 0.5 to 3 µmhos/cm. The conductivity of rivers in the United States generally ranges from 50 to 1500 µmhos/cm. 1. Cheat Lake @ Emma Kaufmann Camp .... 53 micromho per centimeter 2. Monongahela River at Pt. Marion Lock ..... 275 (Recorded by USGS continuous monitor) 3. Tap Water, Morgantown Utility Board ..... 117

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West Virginia Botanic Garden, Morgantown, West Virginia's Hidden Gem for Hiking and Flowers - YouTube
by Duane Nichols 13 Apr '22

13 Apr '22

https://youtu.be/De5gXuVr1QU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De5gXuVr1QU Hi! We are Pam and Kathrine, sisters from southwestern Pennsylvania who love to explore the world in between our 9-5 working lives. Since 2017, we have been documenting and writing about travel on our blog, Everywhere Forward. Our blog is full of local experiences in the Pennsylvania and West Virginia regions, as well as our national and international adventures. We're here to share with you how we balance traveling with full-time jobs. In this vlog, we visit the West Virginia Botanic Garden, a beautiful hidden gem just outside Morgantown West Virginia. The West Virginia Botanic Garden is one of our favorite places to hike and explore near Morgantown. Come learn about local history and explore this unique hiking spot! See also: https://youtu.be/8_IN8QDqG1s

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Historic Mont Chateau ~ Fortunately Sale Didn’t Happen
by Duane Nichols 12 Apr '22

12 Apr '22

John MayHistoric Mont Chateau October 7, 2021 · Unable to generate income from the Park, and given the neglected state of the Lodge, DNR recommended that Mont Chateau be sold. Per the DNR Director, “The public doesn’t support it. It never has been popular since the day it was built.” A resolution to sell the property for not less than $1,000,000 was proposed in the 1977 Legislative session. The rationale given for the proposal was that, “as of late, Mont Chateau operated more as a hotel than a park and did not fit into the scheme of the State Park system because it only had 42 acres that were not suitable for recreational development”. Per the chairperson of the House Parks sub-committee, “It will cost much to upgrade the park in a condition that will not embarrass the State and dim the image of the other State Parks. On the other hand, we do believe the park can be easily sold to the adjoining country club or land developers on Cheat Lake.” From the Morgantown Dominion Post, 1/12/1977:

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West Virginia's ultimate Appalachian road trip north
by Duane Nichols 29 Mar '22

29 Mar '22

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/appalachian-road-trip-west-virginia The ultimate Appalachian road trip through West Virginia Amy C. Balfour, Lonely Planet, March 28, 2022 Country roads may not take you home on this curvy drive through the Appalachians, but the gorgeous views and small-town hospitality make it clear why West Virginians embrace John Denver’s classic song. This adventure is made for driving, with scenic backroads twisting up mountains, crossing ancient rivers, and swooping through hardwood forests. The route kicks off in the Eastern Panhandle then rolls through Morgantown, Charleston, the New River Gorge, the Greenbrier Valley, and Canaan Valley. From hot dogs to hot springs, a trove of roadside attractions await. Plan to spend at least a week on this drive. One bonus? State parks are free in the Mountain State. The town of Harpers Ferry is well-preserved as a National Historical Park. © Courtesy of West Virginia Department of Tourism Stop 1: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Walking along the cobblestone streets of Lower Town in Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, one would hardly be surprised to see Thomas Jefferson striding along the streets lined with historic buildings. He called the view from a hill above town “one of the most stupendous scenes in nature.” Abolitionist John Brown, who attempted to spark up a slave revolt here in 1859, would likely recognize the backdrop too – the centuries-old structures are remarkably well-preserved. Today exhibits inside these historic buildings spotlight key events in the community’s history. Fun fact: Harpers Ferry is the easternmost point in the state, located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. The chalet-style Bavarian Inn overlooks the Potomac in Shepherdstown, another historical town nearby. Grab breakfast at Betty’s, a compact diner dishing up home-cooked food that’s just as outstanding as the friendly service. Route: Follow I-68E through Maryland. Stop 2: Overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest The view of the Cheat Mountain River Gorge from the overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest is an inspirational introduction to the Mountain State’s mountain-and-forest beauty. The park has 50 campsites across two campgrounds, and canvas glamping tents are also available. Non-campers should head to one of the hotels in Morgantown, home to West Virginia University, for an overnight stay — the newly renovated Hotel Morgan is a top choice. Join WVU students at Mario’s Fishbowl for tasty pub fare and enormous draft beers – served in fishbowl-sized goblets! The main overlook at Coopers Rock State Forest overlooks the Cheat River as it flows through Cheat Canyon. Route: From Morgantown, follow I-79S 20 miles to Fairmont. Stop 3: Yann’s Hot Dog Stand Whatever you do, don’t ask for ketchup when ordering your hot dog at this legendary food hut (300 Washington St) in downtown Fairmont. Just accept the slathering of mustard, onions, and spicy sauce, and give a nod to its messy glory. Open since 1927, Yann’s served low-cost hot dogs and pepperoni rolls to miners and railroad workers over the decades. Today, acolytes descend upon the eatery from across the state. Route: Follow I-79S for 40 miles to Weston. Stop 4: Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum & the Museum of American Glass The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston isn’t for the easily spooked. A stone-cut behemoth stretching nearly one-quarter of a mile, this Gothic-style facility was a mental hospital until 1994. Eventually renamed Weston State Hospital, the complex treated patients for more than 150 years. Tours explore everything from the history of the hospital to paranormal shenanigans. Downtown, the Museum of American Glass showcases the region’s glass-making heritage and prowess. The expansive collection of colorful glassworks includes marbles, bottles, and tableware. After you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, try the potato encrusted salmon at Thyme Bistro- the dish is renowned across the state. Route: Continue 100 miles south to Charleston, the state capital. Stop 5: West Virginia State Museum A designated path rolls past 26 discovery rooms inside this compelling museum. Each room is dedicated to diving deep into the most important geologic, historical, and cultural stories of the Mountain State. The museum is on the grounds of the state capitol complex, which is anchored by the capitol building and its eye-catching gold-leaf dome. The Kanawha River flows past just a few steps away. Taylor Books is a lively downtown bookstore with a coffee shop and art gallery. On a sunny day, you might see lawyers, legislators, and tourists sharing the patio at Pies & Pints next door. A full homemade breakfast is served at the well-appointed Brass Pineapple, a B&B close to the capitol complex. Route: Route 60, also known as the Midland Trail National Scenic Byway, follows the Kanawha River east then climbs into the surrounding Appalachians. Stop by the 7th-generation JQ Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden, where the prized gourmet salt is mined by hand. Thirty-five miles ahead? The gravitational wackiness of the Mystery Hole. Stop 6: Hawks Nest State Park In a state filled with fantastic views, the overlook at Hawks Nest State Park is one of the most fantastic. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the viewpoint takes in the New River Gorge and its forested slopes. An aerial tram drops from the park’s lodge to a riverside marina. Watch as jet boats speed out for views of the New River Gorge Bridge. For views with brews, settle in on the riverside deck at Smokey’s, a bbq-and-burger joint at Adventures on the Gorge. Route: Follow Rte 60 through Ansted to US-19S. Turn right and take it to the national park. Stop 7: New River Gorge National Park & Preserve As America’s newest National Park, a stop at the New River Gorge is a must. Check out the view of the park’s centerpiece, the New River Gorge Bridge, from the overlook behind the visitor center. The rugged gorge was carved by one of the oldest rivers in the world, the New River, and the park runs along a 53 mile stretch of it. Get even closer to the bridge with a guided Bridgewalk tour, which has daring adventurers clank along the catwalk beneath the span, serving up dizzying views of the river more than 850ft below. The park is an outdoor activity epicenter known for hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, and scenic drives. Feeling hungry? Sandwiches and lattes are served under stained glass windows at the Cathedral Cafe, a former church. Both Adventures on the Gorge and ACE Adventure Resort have cabins available to rent for overnight stays. Route: It’s a 30-minute drive from the visitor center to Tamarack via US-19S and I-64E. Stop 8: Tamarack A stroll around Tamarack is a fulfilling artistic and cultural journey around the state, with crafts and artwork for sale from more than 2,800 West Virginia artists. Short-term exhibitions in the fine arts gallery showcase the state’s best craftsmanship, with rotating shows that vary by theme. The restaurant serves comfort food and locally sourced fare, including West Virginia trout, fried green tomato sandwiches, and The Greenbrier’s peaches and cream, a popular dessert served at the nearby luxury resort. (More on The Greenbrier below!) Tamarack offers local crafts and art for sale. © Courtesy of the West Virginia Department of Tourism Route: Follow I-64E to Hwy 3E. Hold on tight for this curvy ride up and over the mountains. Continue north on Rt 26. Sandstone Falls is about 40 miles southeast of Tamarack. Stop 9: Sandstone Falls An eight-mile drive through New River Gorge National Park along the New River ribbons past gentle rapids, weathered trains, and waterfront homes on the way to another gem of the park: Sandstone Falls. One unusual sight? The river flows north – a fairly rare occurrence in the United States. Once you’ve reached the falls parking lot, take the wooden boardwalk as it crosses a soggy forest and ends at an observation platform with a view of the falls, which stretch 1,500 feet across the river. Nearby, Hinton, a former rail hub, is home to the Hinton Railroad Museum. The welcoming Market on Courthouse Square serves sandwiches and pizzas beside a pretty red-brick street dating from the 1870s. Route: Rte 3 E crosses downtown Hinton then follows the Greenbrier River out of town. Follow Rte 3 and several country roads on the 50-mile drive east. Stop 10: Bunker Tour at The Greenbrier For decades, The Greenbrier resort, a swanky, white-columned retreat, held a secret of highly-classified proportions. A vast bunker, carved into an adjacent hillside in 1958, lay in wait for the unthinkable – a nuclear attack on the US. In the event of a nuclear strike, members of Congress would relocate to the bunker for safety. An article in the Washington Post revealed its existence in 1992. Today, tours explore the facility, which holds 18 dorms, a power plant, a clinic, a cafeteria, and meeting rooms. Back above ground, the resort has plush rooms across various wings and cottages. Another overnight option is the historic General Lewis Inn in nearby Lewisburg. Live music, good pizzas, and cold beer are on tap at Lewisburg’s Hill & Holler, housed in a rustic cabin downtown. Route: Follow Rte 92N to Rte 66W. It’s just over sixty miles to the next stop. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park lets visitors experience West Virginia’s history. Stop 11: Cass Scenic Railroad State Park A steam train chugs to the summit of Bald Knob, the third-highest peak in the state, where views of mountains and valleys extend for miles. A lumber town for much of the 1900s, Cass today is a historic village and the home of five powerful Shay locomotives. The class C-80 Shay #5 has climbed Cheat Mountain – an elevation gain of 2,390 feet over 11 miles – for 115 years. Trips to the summit last about 4 1/2 hours. The multi-use Greenbrier River Trail is a pretty spot for a stroll. For a unique overnight stay, spend the night in one of the white-clapboard Cass company houses, once the homes of railroad workers. Route: It’s fifty miles of mountain-and-forest driving to Seneca Rocks via Rte 92N and Rte 28N, with the final leg on US-33W. Stop 12: Seneca Rocks A jagged fin rising from a sea of forested hills, the peaks of Seneca Rocks are one of the most iconic sites in West Virginia. They’re also a hotspot for rock climbing, and climbers have tackled the formation’s sheer flanks since the 1930s. Sign up for a rock-climbing class with a local outfitter or simply hike the short trail that climbs to a rocks-adjacent observation platform. From here, you can see 4,863 foot-high Spruce Knob, the highest point in the state. Managed by the Monongahela National Forest Service, the Seneca Rocks Discovery Center has loads of information about outdoor recreation in the region (Mar-Oct). Route: Follow US-33W to Rte 32N through Davis to Blackwater Falls. It’s a 45-minute drive. Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest are an iconic landmark beloved by climbers. Stop 13: Blackwater Falls State Park The robust Blackwater Falls tumble 57 feet into a tree-lined gorge. Tannic acid released by fallen hemlocks and red spruce needles gives the falls its unique amber hue. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails to explore here, plus more than three dozen furnished cabins are available for rent, and a midcentury lodge (also inside the park) boasts views of Blackwater Canyon. Route: It’s four miles to Thomas. Follow Blackwater Falls Rd to Rt 32N. Stop 14: Purple Fiddle With its pressed-tin ceiling, wooden floor, and quaint collection of antique knick-knackery, the interior of the Purple Fiddle in Thomas resembles the small country stores that dot Appalachia. But the Purple Fiddle becomes something different altogether at night when musicians raise the roof – and sometimes croon sad songs – from the corner stage. The Fiddle is a hotspot for up-and-coming musicians as well as established acts, often playing songs infused with the musical sounds of Appalachia. They serve good sandwiches, too! Located in an old general store, The Purple Fiddle still serves up deli classics, though it's best known as a venue for live music. Route: It’s a 104-mile return to the eastern panhandle. Take US-48E to Rte 93E. Then take I-68E to US-522S into Berkeley Springs. Stop 15: Berkeley Springs State Park Inns across the East Coast may brag, “George Washington slept here.” But how many can say that George Washington soaked there? The warm spring waters of Berkeley Springs have attracted travelers for centuries, and one brick-lined tub on the lawn of the state park claims to be Washington’s bathtub! Soak in the Old Roman bathhouse, then fill your thermos from the outdoor spout – the mineral-filled spring water is drinkable and totally free. Enjoy fine farm-to-table fare at Tari’s, then conclude this trip with a comfy night at the Country Inn of Berkeley Springs. Want more inspiration for your West Virginia road trip? Request a free vacation guide. xxx

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Home | MMMPO
by Duane Nichols 20 Mar '22

20 Mar '22

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE Check out the DRAFT 2050 MTP! The Public review period runs until May 10th. The purpose of this project is to examine regional transportation systems within and around Morgantown, WV, recommending strategic priorities over the next 25 years. By transportation we mean: roads, buses, sidewalks, and accommodations for bicycles. This project webpage serves as a valuable conduit between you (residents and neighbors) and the project team. We are mobility planners and engineers, and we are looking for strategies to continually grow and efficiently move around the Monongalia region. We look forward to your participation as you help us plan the region’s future transportation network. Stay engaged, and be sure to subscribe for project updates that will keep you informed along the way. https://www.mmmpo2050.com/

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Learning About West Virginia | News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer
by Duane Nichols 19 Mar '22

19 Mar '22

https://www.theintelligencer.net/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/2022/03/lear… Learning About West Virginia From Levi, Third Grade, Langley School, McLean, Virginia, Mar 19, 2022 To Editor, Wheeling News-Register: Dear people of the great state of West Virginia, Hello, I am a third-grade student in Northern Virginia. Our class is learning about the United States, and I will be teaching our school about the state of West Virginia. In the month of May, I will create a display for our State Fair that I hope will make you proud. Although I have gathered facts about your state from books and websites, I think I can receive the best information from the people who live there. This is why I am writing to you. I am hoping that you would be willing to send me some items to help me learn more about the best things in your state. You might consider sending items such as postcards, pictures, souvenirs, this newspaper article, or any other unique items that would be useful or show your state pride. Here are a few questions: – Why do you live in your state? What first brought your family there? – How do you make money? What is your job? – What does your state look like? – What do people do for fun? – What animals live there? – What traditional food/recipes does your state have? – What type of music is native to your state? – Do you have a state athletic team? – What geographic features are unique to your state? I need to gather all of my information by the second week of May. You can mail items to this address: Mr. Mike Gilchrist’s class, The Langley School, 1411 Balls Hill Road, McLean, VA 22101. I really appreciate your help! Levi, The Langley School, McLean, VA

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[Herald-Standard] Something to celebrate
by Duane Nichols 17 Mar '22

17 Mar '22

https://www.heraldstandard.com/entertainment/local/something-to-celebrate/a… Sent from my iPad, DGN

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Geothermal Energy in West Virginia
by Duane Nichols 15 Mar '22

15 Mar '22

Full WV Senate to consider bill that would set up regulatory program for geothermal energy | Legislative Session | wvgazettemail.com, Mike Tony, March 9, 2022 https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/legislative_session/full-wv-senate-to-co… NOTE ~ WV Senate passed this HB 4098 on March 12, 2022. DGN The full West Virginia Senate will consider a bill that would set up a state regulatory program for geothermal energy. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday advanced House Bill 4098, which would give the Department of Environmental Protection regulatory oversight of geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source within the Earth that is used to heat buildings and provide electricity. HB 4098 would grant ownership rights to geothermal resources to the owner of surface property over the resource unless severance of the geothermal resource is clear in documentation conveying ownership of it. The bill requires the DEP to create a permitting system for geothermal development for which it must establish temperature levels and volumetric flow rates. The legislation would make the agency responsible for establishing rules for geothermal drilling and site reclamation — including proper plugging — after a well no longer is used. West Virginia University geothermal research plans prompted the bill. House Energy and Manufacturing Committee counsel Robert Akers previously told the committee, which was first to approve the bill, that a permit for the university is the only one that would be pending initially under a new geothermal regulatory program. HB 4098 would allow the DEP to issue civil penalties ranging from $100 to $500 for each violation of rules established under the bill, and take civil action against violators in any circuit court where a well is located for injunctive relief. The House Judiciary Committee previously amended the bill to exclude geothermal heating and cooling heat pump systems for private residential dwellings and farm buildings from DEP jurisdiction. The Senate Judiciary Committee amended the bill to make technical changes. Lawmakers intend for the bill to apply to wells thousands of feet underground. Samuel Taylor, assistant director of strategic partnerships and technology at the WVU Energy Institute, handed out PowerPoint slides to Energy and Manufacturing Committee members in January. The slides showed that Northern West Virginia could be a potential “hot spot” for geothermal energy. A map on one slide showed patches of Earth in the region hotter than most of the rest of the Eastern United States. Another slide noted that geothermal could be a popular alternative energy source as companies with local footprints, like Chemours and Dow, strive to meet company-set carbon dioxide emission-reduction goals. The university’s U.S. Department of Energy-funded project includes drilling and sampling a deep-exploratory well to a depth of 15,000 feet to validate subsurface temperatures, according to one of the PowerPoint slides from Taylor. The slide noted a focus of the project is to gauge the potential of heating the university campus using a geothermal resource. West Virginia Environmental Council President Linda Frame said her organization supports the production of geothermal energy but stressed that it be done with minimal disruption to the environment and landowners. xxx

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Donna, can you post this on CLEAR .....
by Duane Nichols 14 Mar '22

14 Mar '22

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/niche-releases-best-places-to-live-… Niche releases best places to live in WV in 2022 by: Sam Kirk, WBOY News 12, Clarksburg, WV, Mar 14, 2022 CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – You may love or hate where you live, but have you ever wondered what’s the best place to live in West Virginia? Using data from the U.S. Census and the FBI and ratings, Niche has released its top 25 best places to live in each state for 2022. Each town or city was given a letter score in 12 categories to determine rankings. Here are the top six places in West Virginia, according to Niche. #6 Morgantown Home of West Virginia University, Morgantown in Monongalia County is known for being full of young people and full of life. It’s not surprising that Morgantown has a rating of A+ for nightlife, but other notable qualities from Niche include an A rating for public schools and an A ranking for good for families. It also has an A- for outdoor activities and an A+ for commute. Morgantown’s worst rating in Niche’s 12 categories is a C for the weather. #5 Winfield If you value safety, Winfield in Putnam County might be a good place for you. Winfield rates A+ on Niche’s crime & safety category. It also secured A’s in the housing, good for families, and jobs categories. It also scored an A- in public schools and cost of living. The lowest rating Winfield received was a B- in several categories. #4 Star City This Monongalia County town is located just outside of Morgantown, giving it a similar score as Morgantown in several categories. Nightlife is a strong suit for Star City as well as good for families and public schools. Star City does not have a crime and safety rating, however. According to Niche, it offers a “dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes.” The lowest rating in Star City is a C for the weather. #3 Cheat Lake The top-rated place to live in Monongalia County is also the best place in West Virginia to raise a family, according to Niche. Cheat Lake has a rating of A+ for good for families and overall. It also has A’s for public schools, housing and jobs. Like its other Monongalia County locations, it has a C rating for the weather. Cheat Lake does not have a rating for crime and safety, and at least 80% of people who live in Cheat Lake own their own home. #2 Athens With an overall rating of A+, this Mercer County town offers a lower cost of living compared to some of the other top places in the state. Although it has no individual A+ category rankings, it has A’s in housing, good for families, cost of living, and commute. The median home value in Athens is over $100,000 less than the national average, making it more affordable. If high levels of diversity and jobs opportunities are on your must-have list, Athens may not be for you; it has C+ rankings in both categories. #1 Bridgeport Bridgeport in Harrison County has been named the best place to live in West Virginia. It has A rankings in housing, good for families and jobs. It also has several A- in public schools and health & fitness. The lowest categories in Bridgeport are B- in crime & safety, nightlife, weather and commute. Other north central West Virginia places that made the list are Westover at number 13 and Pleasant Valley at number 21. For the full top-25 list of the best places to live in West Virginia, click here.

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HAPPY TRAIL NEWS! construction underway....
by Duane Nichols 05 Mar '22

05 Mar '22

From: Ella Belling <ella(a)montrails.org> > Date: March 5, 2022 at 8:12:28 AM EST > Subject: HAPPY TRAIL NEWS! construction underway.... > > Happy Rail-Trail News! Construction begins on the next stretch of the Sheepskin Trail from Point Marion, PA along the Cheat River /Nilan Road toward the Cheat Lake Dam. There will be another 1.5 miles to explore when they complete this section- will end near Nilan Apostolic Church. I shared the Friends of Sheepskin Trail FB post and you can see more photos there or at MRTC FB page. > > Exciting news but hope everyone stays away from construction area and lets them work without disruption. Cheers, Ella > > Ella Belling, Executive Director, Mon River Trails Conservancy > P.O. Box 282, Morgantown, WV 26507 > http://montrails.org, 304-692-6782

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Cheat Lake Video .. Through the Seasons by Steve Heap
by Duane Nichols 10 Feb '22

10 Feb '22

Cheat Lake through the seasons. A photographic exploration...... https://youtu.be/sJ-I5-Ud76o This exploration of the Cheat Lake near Morgantown in West Virginia couples the dramatic photography of local photographer, Steve Heap, with the story of this lake from its beginnings to the present day. The video illustrates the changes both along the length of the lake but also as the seasons develop and contains some striking images from the air from a drone. This video is also available as an article which is also published with the images used in the video on https://www.BackyardImage.com and you can find these and many more images of the Morgantown area in my online store, https://steven-heap.pixels.com/collec..., available as prints and many other products.

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Is the Coronavirus in Your Backyard? - The New York Times
by Duane Nichols 07 Feb '22

07 Feb '22

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/07/health/coronavirus-deer-animals.html Is the Coronavirus in Your Backyard? White-tailed deer could become a reservoir for the virus, putting people and animals at risk, health experts say. Feb. 7, 2022, 5:00 a.m. ET Suresh Kuchipudi, a veterinary microbiologist at Penn State University in State College, Pa., with Cashew, a young white-tailed deer in the university’s deer research center.Hannah Yoon for The New York Times In late 2020, the coronavirus silently stalked Iowa’s white-tailed deer. The virus infected large bucks and leggy yearlings. It infiltrated a game preserve in the southeastern corner of the state and popped up in free-ranging deer from Sioux City to Dubuque. When scientists sifted through bits of frozen lymph node tissue — harvested from unlucky deer killed by hunters or cars — they found that more than 60 percent of the deer sampled in December 2020 were infected. “It was stunning,” said Vivek Kapur, a microbiologist and infectious disease expert at Penn State, who led the research. Dr. Kapur and his colleagues have now analyzed samples from more than 4,000 dead Iowa deer, diligently marking the location of each infected animal on a map of the state. “It’s completely mad,” he said. “It looks like it’s everywhere.” From the start of the pandemic, experts were aware that a virus that emerged from animals, as scientists believe SARS-CoV-2 did, could theoretically spread back to animals. Mink have garnered much attention after the virus spread through mink farms in Europe and North America, leading to massive culls of the animals. But white-tailed deer, which may wander into urban and rural backyards, are also easily infected. Infections in free-ranging deer, which display few signs of illness, are tricky to detect and difficult to contain. Deer also live alongside us in dizzying numbers; about 30 million white-tailed deer roam the continental United States. Vivek Kapur, a microbiologist at Penn State University. “It’s completely mad,” he said. “It looks like it’s everywhere.”Hannah Yoon for The New York Times If white-tailed deer become a reservoir for the virus, the pathogen could mutate and spread to other animals or back to us. Adaptation in animals is one route by which new variants are likely to emerge. “This is a top concern right now for the United States,” said Dr. Casey Barton Behravesh, who directs the One Health Office — which focuses on connections between human, animal and environmental health — at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “If deer were to become established as a North American wildlife reservoir, and we do think they’re at risk of that, there are real concerns for the health of other wildlife species, livestock, pets and even people,” she added. The virus is likely to continue circulating in deer, many experts predicted. But crucial questions remain unanswered: How are deer catching the virus? How might the pathogen mutate inside its cervid hosts? And could the animals pass it back to us? White-tailed deer are a “black box” for the virus, said Stephanie Seifert, an expert on zoonotic diseases at Washington State University: “We know that the virus has been introduced multiple times, we know that there’s onward transmission. But we don’t know how the virus is adapting or how it will continue to adapt.” Cervid surge A researcher trying to swab a white-tailed deer at a wildlife center at Texas A&M University in College Station.Sergio Flores for The New York Times The coronavirus enters human cells by attaching to what are known as ACE2 receptors. Many mammals have similar versions of these receptors, making them susceptible to infection. Early in the pandemic, scientists analyzed the genetic sequences for ACE2 receptors in hundreds of species to predict which animals might be at risk. Deer ranked high on the list, and laboratory experiments later confirmed that the animals could become infected with the virus as well as transmit it to other deer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service began looking for coronavirus antibodies in blood samples from deer in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania. In July, the agency reported that 40 percent of the animals in those areas had antibodies, suggesting that they had already been infected by the virus. Some months later, Dr. Kapur’s team, which partnered with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, reported that active coronavirus infections were common in Iowa deer, and another group announced that more than one-third of the deer they had swabbed in northeastern Ohio were infected. Genomic analysis suggested that in both Iowa and Ohio, humans had passed the virus to deer multiple times and then the deer readily passed it to one another. “The early detections in companion animals, in mink farms, in zoological collections — those were all different because those were confined populations,” said Dr. Andrew Bowman, a veterinary epidemiologist at Ohio State University, who led the Ohio research. “We didn’t really have a natural setting where the virus could run free.” Whether the virus makes deer sick remains unknown. There is no evidence that infected deer become seriously ill, but humans might not notice if a wild animal was feeling slightly under the weather. And these early studies — which have largely relied on pre-existing disease surveillance or population control projects in deer — provided only a snapshot of what could be a sprawling problem. “I wouldn’t be surprised if more sampling uncovers the fact that these are not necessarily sporadic events,” said Dr. Samira Mubareka, a virologist at Sunnybrook Research Institute and the University of Toronto. In Canada, reports of infected deer are beginning to trickle in from Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan. When Dr. Mubareka’s team sequenced virus recovered from Canadian deer, the researchers found it closely matched sequences in Vermont. “Deer don’t respect borders,” said Arinjay Banerjee, a virologist at the University of Saskatchewan. Samples taken from deer that tested negative in Dr. Kapur’s lab at Penn State UniversityHannah Yoon for The New York Times ‘No masking, no social distancing’ How humans are transmitting the virus to deer remains an open question. “It’s definitely a mystery to me how they’re getting it,” said Dr. Angela Bosco-Lauth, a zoonotic disease expert at Colorado State University. There are many theories, none entirely satisfying. An infectious hunter might encounter a deer, Dr. Mubareka noted, but “if they’re good at hunting,” she added, “it’s a terminal event for the deer.” If an infected hiker “sneezes and the wind is blowing in the right direction, it could cause an unlucky event,” said Dr. Tony Goldberg, a veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Or if people feed deer from their porch, they could be sharing more than just food. And white-tailed deer are expert leapers, reaching heights of eight feet. “If you want to fence deer out of a place, you have to be trying very hard,” said Scott Creel, an ecologist at Montana State University. Deer would have no trouble jumping into alfalfa fields to graze alongside cattle, perhaps inviting a close encounter with a farmer, Dr. Creel said. Transmission could also happen indirectly, through wastewater or discarded food or other human-generated trash. “Deer, like most other animals, will sniff before they eat,” Dr. Kapur said. And deer release their feces as they feed, creating conditions where other deer might forage in areas contaminated with waste, or snuffle around waste that has feed mixed in, experts say. But it’s not clear how long the virus would remain viable in a polluted water source or on the surface of a half-eaten apple, or whether enough of it would be present to pose a transmission risk. An intermediate host, such as an itinerant cat, might ferry the virus from humans to deer. Farmed deer, which have frequent contact with humans, might also pass the virus to their wild counterparts through an escapee or their feces, Dr. Seifert said. (More than 94 percent of the deer in one captive site in Texas carried antibodies for the virus, researchers found — more than double the rate found in free-ranging deer in the state.) Dr. Sarah Hamer, a veterinary epidemiologist at Texas A&M University, who is interested in contact tracing of deer to understand how their social interactions influence viral transmission.Sergio Flores for The New York Times It may not require many spillovers for the virus to take off in a herd. Infected deer, which shed virus in nasal secretions and feces and have an infectious period of five to six days, can readily spread the virus to others, said Dr. Diego Diel, a virologist at Cornell University. Wild deer are social — traveling in herds, frequently nuzzling noses and engaging in polygamy — and swap saliva through shared salt licks. And unlike humans, deer have no tools for flattening the curve. “They don’t have rapid antigen tests,” Dr. Banerjee said. Dr. Kapur added, “No masking, no social distancing.” Dr. Sarah Hamer, a veterinary epidemiologist at Texas A&M University, is seeking funding to start contact tracing of deer to understand how their social interactions influence viral transmission. She hopes to use proximity loggers to record the time and duration of the animals’ interactions with one another. “What deer are hanging out with what deer?” Dr. Hamer said. “Are there deer superspreaders?” Research is still in early stages, but understanding how the virus is spreading is essential both for slowing transmission in deer and for protecting other vulnerable wildlife. Deer may graze alongside other cervids, such as boreal woodland caribou, which are endangered in Canada and are a traditional food source of First Nations peoples. And if humans are contaminating the wilderness with the virus, it could threaten other, highly endangered species, such as the black-footed ferret, which experts fear may be vulnerable to the virus. “If it’s in the environment, and we don’t know exactly how it’s in the environment or how it’s spreading, all of a sudden we have these endangered animals that are at even higher risk,” said Kaitlin Sawatzki, a virologist at Tufts University. Knowing how we are giving the virus to deer is also crucial for assessing the risk that they may pass it back to us. “The metaphorical window is open, and we don’t know where,” Dr. Bowman said. Dr. Hamer took a sample from a house cat to see if it had the coronavirus after its family had been infected. Cats could be an intermediate host between humans and deer.Sergio Flores for The New York Times Herd immunity The virus is clearly spreading in deer. But what happens next, and how worried should we be? Many experts said they expected the virus to become established in deer and circulate indefinitely. “If it’s not already established, it’s heading in that direction,” Dr. Mubareka said. The Coronavirus Pandemic: Key Things to Know The state of the virus in the U.S. The coronavirus has now claimed more than 900,000 lives across the country, and the Covid death rates remain alarmingly high. The number of new infections, however, has fallen by more than half since mid-January, and hospitalizations are also declining. Still, scientists said they needed longer-term data to be sure, and the outcome was not a given. Currently, people appear to be reintroducing the virus to deer frequently; but if human case rates fell substantially, and people stopped spreading the virus, it could disappear from deer populations. Moreover, deer do develop antibodies to the virus; if the antibodies are strong enough and enough deer develop them, literal herd immunity could squelch the spread. But scientists know very little about deer immunity. “Does exposure to one variant protect the deer population from subsequent variants?” Dr. Banerjee asked. If the virus does establish itself in deer, it is likely to evolve in ways that help it thrive in its new hosts. A deer-optimized version of the virus would not necessarily be more dangerous for people; the virus might adapt in ways that make humans less hospitable hosts. “If this became ‘Deervid,’ then that would be great,” Dr. Goldberg said. (“Hopefully it would stay benign in deer,” he added.) But the virus could retain its ability to easily infect humans while picking up more worrisome mutations, including ones that might allow it to evade our existing immune defenses. “Even if you got the human population immune and fully vaccinated, if there’s still a reservoir persisting in the animals, then that can allow the virus to continue to evolve,” said Linda Saif, a virologist and immunologist at Ohio State University. There is not yet any evidence that deer are infecting people, and for the foreseeable future, experts agreed, humans are far more likely to catch the virus from one another than from anything with hooves. “Even if deer were infecting people, it’s largely inconsequential in the grand scheme, because millions of people are getting infected from human-to-human transmission,” said Dr. Scott Weese, an infectious diseases veterinarian at the University of Guelph in Ontario. “But it becomes more of a risk as we start to control it.” Hunters, who handle deer carcasses extensively, could be at higher risk for contracting the virus from deer, scientists said. (There is no evidence that people can be infected by eating deer meat cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.) People who hand-feed their local deer — a practice experts warn against — could also be at risk. An abundance of ungulates Dr. Hamer at the deer pen at Texas A&M. Scientists worry that the virus could incubate in deer and morph into a variant capable of spilling back into humans or infect other animals.Sergio Flores for The New York Times Other animals, too, may be at risk from infection from deer. Predators such as mountain lions which kill deer by biting into their trachea or over their nose and mouth, could be infected while feasting. Scientists were relieved when early research suggested that cattle and pigs were minimally susceptible to the virus. But inside the bodies of white-tailed deer, the virus could morph into a pathogen capable of infecting such livestock. “That could be a big problem for food production stability,” Dr. Seifert said. Health officials must stay vigilant, experts said. The U.S.D.A. is now working with state agencies to collect blood samples and nasal swabs from dead deer in more than two dozen states. The work should help experts estimate how many deer have already been infected and whether certain characteristics, from age to habitat type, put some deer at elevated risk. “As we learn more, we will continue to refine and target our surveillance,” said Dr. Tracey Dutcher, the science and biodefense coordinator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at the U.S.D.A. Long-term genomic surveillance is also needed, experts said. “If we start to see some really divergent viral variants popping up in deer in certain places, that would be a red flag,” Dr. Goldberg said. Depending on what scientists learn in the near future, officials could consider a variety of potential mitigation measures, including vaccinating captive deer, thinning infected herds or cleaning up whatever environmental viral contamination is giving the deer the virus in the first place. “I think we’ve got to get our hands around the situation before we really make plans on where to go,” Dr. Bowman said. For now, scientists also advise keeping a close eye on other wildlife. If the virus is so prevalent in deer, which are relatively easy to sample, it could be silently spreading in other species, too. After all, the only reason scientists found the virus in deer is because they thought to look. “We hadn’t realized it was spread in deer at all,” Dr. Kapur said. “We had no clue.” Sent from my iPad

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'I'd call him an English gentleman': Family describes missing Cheat Lake man
by Duane Nichols 07 Feb '22

07 Feb '22

https://news.yahoo.com/id-call-him-english-gentleman-043700171.html 'I'd call him an English gentleman': Family describes missing Cheat Lake man From an Article by Jim Bissett, Morgantown Dominion Post, February 5, 2022 Feb. 5—It's been more than a month since Bryn Hargreaves last spoke to family in his native England. And when Monongalia County deputies tried the door to his Whisper Creek apartment after he was declared missing Jan. 16, the easy give caught them for a second. That's because it wasn't locked. Once inside, they discovered his wallet and his keys. The clothes in his closet were neatly arrayed on hangers, as always. Nothing was out of place. Well, except for him. He wasn't there. "It was like he was abducted, or he did a walk-around, " his mother, Maria Andrews said this past Thursday in the newsroom of The Dominion Post. She and another son, David Hargreaves, had traveled to the U.S. from their home in Wigan, a working-class city in northern England, right between Manchester and Liverpool, the home of The Beatles. Wigan is known for more than its close proximity to where John, Paul, George and Ringo once roamed. It's also a hotbed for rugby, the rough-and-tumble sport that helped inspire American football, and Bryn Hargreaves, who is now 36, was one the best, turning pro at a young age. He played on championship teams and enjoyed fame, but, like a lot of athletes, he didn't have a long go of it. New shores ~ In 2012, his contract wasn't renewed — in part, because his team was losing money and facing liquidation, his mother said. "So he got disillusioned with the old game, " said Andrews, whose father and brother also played the sport professionally. The year previous, he met an American woman while on holiday in Mexico. A courtship turned into marriage, and that led to a trip across the pond to Pittsburgh, where his new wife had connections. "At 26, he had still had a quite a few years in him, " his mother said. "So he was off to America with the start of a new life." A buddy reaches out ~ Except, it didn't quite click, both his mother and brother said. The marriage didn't last either, and the only job he could was at an engineering firm in the Steel City that did pipeline work and natural gas exploration in the Marcellus shale. "It wasn't the job he wanted, " Andrews said. Still, he made a good go of his employment — with an easy grin and the stiff upper lip of a Brit at the same time. He quickly advanced to the position of project manager. At 6-foot-2 and a muscled 220 pounds, no one was going to outwork him on the job site. His brother said a job transfer for a project brought him to Morgantown right before the pandemic hit two years ago. Which didn't help, both David and his mother said. A co-worker contacted the family asking about Bryn's well-being, David said, when his brother hadn't been seen for a while. Mired in Morgantown ~ Being an ocean away from a close family, while being divorced on top of that, didn't help. Plus, he had a car crash this past Dec. 8, leaving him with a nagging back injury and an undrivable Jeep. He'd been relying on Uber or walking to get around, his family said. David Hargreaves said his brother has been on medical leave since the wreck. The injury has left the once-formidable athlete frustrated, his mother said. It's been a perfect storm for blue feelings, she and David said. "He hasn't been in a good place, " Bryn's brother said. "I think COVID, the crash, the season — Christmas — and I think something along with the medication because of his injury ..." his mother said, trailing off. The search continues ~ Meanwhile, deputies and a volunteer with trained dogs are continuing to search the wooded expanses behind Whisper Creek Apartments and in the Cheat Lake area where the luxury complex is located. "We have people out there almost every day, " said Detective Stephen Currie, the lead investigator on the case. "It hasn't been easy with the snow." A broader search is being planned with the Mountaineer Area Rescue Group, the detective said. There's that, plus the canvassing of all Hargreaves' electronic transactions and other online activity from Google to Apple — "And that takes time, " Currie said. "I know people get frustrated." "We know he's not driving his car, " he said. To date, there have been no eyewitnesses or sightings on surveillance cameras at the businesses and restaurants Hargreaves has been known to frequent. He's a fan of the Primanti Bros. sandwich chain for one, his brother said. Anyone is information is asked contact the Marion County Sheriff's Department at 304-291-7260, the detective said. Private messages may also be left on the department's Facebook page — which now also home to several groups formed to assist in the search. Just type in his name in the search field. "We know the police are doing everything they can, " David Hargreaves said. "And we're so thankful for the support of everyone else, with the social media push." Signature traits ~ If he is out and about, Bryn Hargreaves may be sporting a beard, his brother said. Or, maybe not. There's that distinctive tattoo of the family crest on his right arm, also — which will likely be covered by a coat or jacket — and his size, which can't be missed. While he hasn't kept up with his conditioning, he hasn't gone to fat either, his brother said. He's also left-handed, should you catch him signing his name somewhere. There's that, and his now Angelo-American accent, a distinct mashup that's not fully Yank and no longer 100 % Brit, either. Along with Bryn and David, there's another son in the brood, Gareth, who got married three years ago. That was the last time Bryn was back home, and his brothers teased about his almost-American accent. "He now says 'aluminum, ' whereas we still say 'awl-you-min-EEH-um, '" David remembered. The other thing that's distinctive, he said, is his brother's personality. Despite starring in an extremely aggressive sport, he's gentle and softspoken, his brother said. He plays guitar, does drawing and sketches and is well-read. There's that British drollery, also. Ask him, in American fashion, how he's doing, and wait for the signature response: "Absolutely average." "Everybody loves him, " David said. "I'd call him an English gentleman."

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Trapped miner confirmed dead in Pennsylvania incident - WV MetroNews
by Duane Nichols 10 Jan '22

10 Jan '22

https://wvmetronews.com/2022/01/08/trapped-miner-confirmed-dead-in-pennsylv… Trapped miner confirmed dead in Pennsylvania incident January 8, 2022 - 1:45 pm UPDATE: Arcosa has confirmed their employee trapped in the Laurel Aggregates Lake Lynn Mine on Friday has died. The company issued a statement Saturday morning. “We are deeply saddened to confirm a fatality has occurred as a result of an accident at the Laurel Aggregates mine. We extend our deepest sympathies to the employee’s family and friends. Arcosa is cooperating with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) along with local authorities to investigate the cause of this accident.” Jeff Eller, Spokesman for Arcosa. The victim’s name has not been released. LAKE LYNN, Pa. — A man injured in a mining operation in Pennsylvania near the West Virginia border was freed overnight, but his condition is unknown. Crews were able to reach the victim who was trapped underground at the Laurel Aggregates Lake Lynn Mine for about eight hours Friday afternoon. The mine is a limestone operation located just north of the West Virginia border in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. “This is a quarry, but there is an underground mine portion of it, that’s the type of facility certainly there’s surface mining there’s underground mining,” community relations coordinator for the Pennsylvania DEP, Lauren Fraley told Pittsburgh TV station WTAE. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania indicated via Twitter Friday night they had been dispatched to the site to provide mental health services. “Trained and skilled Red Crossers are en route to provide help and support,” read the tweet. Laurel Aggregates’ parent company Arcosa released the following statement Friday afternoon: “At this time, we are focused on responding to an emergency incident at our Lake Lynn, Pennsylvania aggregate facility. The safety of our employees is our number one priority. More information will be shared when appropriate.” Officials from the Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration and the Pennsylvania DEP’s Bureau of Mine Safety are also on site probing the cause of the accident. xxx

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Wood County Commission receives briefing on Mountaineer Trail Network
by Duane Nichols 03 Jan '22

03 Jan '22

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2022/01/wood-county-commiss… Wood County Commission receives briefing on Mountaineer Trail Network From an Article by Larry Launstein Jr., Parkersburg News & SentinelJanuary 3, 2022 A sign is shown on a trail at Mountwood Park. The park is planned to be part of the Mountaineer Trail Network, spanning 15 counties in northern West Virginia. (Photo by Art Smith) PARKERSBURG — The Mountaineer Trail Network, in northern West Virginia, will offer free recreational opportunities for everyone, especially hikers, mountain bike riders and boat users. Trails at Mountwood Park in Wood County and North Bend State Park in Wood and Ritchie counties are under consideration to be part of the network of anchored trails, said Chris Swarr, president of the Wood County Parks and Recreation Commission, with others yet to be determined. Ultimately, the network will cover 15 counties, including Wood, Doddridge and Ritchie counties. Swarr also said the network will consist of state and private trails. “It’s going to be a series of the best non-motorized trails in Northern West Virginia,” he said. Swarr said the network will be closely modeled after the Hatfield-McCoy Trails, a series of five to 10 individual trails in southern West Virginia. Senate Bill 317, signed into law by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice in 2019, set the tone for what the Mountaineer Trail Network could become. It’s an effort to build tourism around an existing trail complex involving Mountwood Park and North Bend State Park. Swarr spoke to the Wood County Commission about the network last week. “I was really surprised about the amount of people partaking in this (using the trails),” Commissioner Jimmy Colombo said. “The more they improve the trails, the more people will use them.” According to a press release, the goal is for the network to become the best non-motorized trail in the eastern United States. The press release said the Friends of the Cheat has been awarded $1.1 million to start the network by the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Power Initiative. Friends of the Cheat spent 20 years restoring the Cheat River watershed and helps provide recreational opportunities in the area. Also involved is Down Street Strategies of Morgantown, an environmental-based recreational firm. According to the press release, the benefits beyond recreational opportunities include: * Inclusion in a large-scale branding and marketing effort to try to bring non-local, overnight visitors throughout the U.S. to the area. * Assistance with funding and long-term planning for trail maintenance to ensure the trails stay world-class. * Liability protection for private landowners participating once they enter a contract with MTNRA. The document sets a goal of finalizing operating procedures in 2022 and having an executive director in place by 2024. Another goal for trail and tourism planning involves reviewing each county’s trails and tourism assets, conducting inventories, preparing for finalist trail networks and providing targeted business assistance to get the area ready for large-scale tourism from 2022 to 2024. In 2024, they are looking to enter into executive agreements with landowners to recognize from four to eight trail systems. As far as branding and marketing goals for 2022 to 2024, they look to create brands and marketing materials for the network and build out an interactive web presence for the network, consisting of designing, procuring and installing signage and other print materials for recognized trails. And finally, in 2024, organizers want to start designing their first order of Mountaineer Trail Network merchandise, plan and implement opening events at each recognized trail center, and open the network for business.

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UD professor Douglas Tallamy hopes to save native species, one lawn at a time | News | newarkpostonline.com
by DUANE NICHOLS 01 Dec '21

01 Dec '21

https://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/ud-professor-douglas-tallamy-hopes-to… Standing in a garden of native plants on the University of Delaware campus, UD professor Douglas Tallamy puts his hand on an oak tree, one of the many species he hopes to encourage people to grow in their own yards. “It’s a grassroots solution, and the goal is to convert 50 percent of the area that’s in lawns now to functional ecosystems,” Tallamy said. Tallamy started the nonprofit Homegrown National Park with the help of Michelle Alfandari in the fall of 2020. The organization helps homeowners transform their yards from plots with nothing but grass into ecosystems full of native plants like the ones at UD. “It’s our effort to reach beyond the choir,” Tallamy said. “I’ve been lecturing to the choir for 15 years, a choir of people who already get it.” Tallamy met Alfandari when she attended a talk he gave in Connecticut about biodiversity. “He motivates you to take action by telling you that you are empowered to turn this around to regenerate biodiversity,” Alfandari said. Homegrown National Park’s website has an interactive map showcasing individuals who have contributed to the project by turning their yards into homes for native plants. The site currently counts over 11,000 participants. Tallamy’s goal is to move the focus of conservation from public lands, like national and state parks, to private land, which represents the vast majority of land in the U.S. He said 78 percent of land in the United States is privately owned, with 86 percent of land east of the Mississippi being privately owned. “For this to work, you need to reach tens of millions of people – all the people who don’t have any clue that their little piece of earth is important for the future of this country,” Tallamy said. He said the health of an ecosystem can be measured by the number of caterpillar species, because caterpillars are an important food for birds. Approximately 96 percent of birds raise their young on insects. “Most of those insects are caterpillars,” Tallamy said. “So you get rid of your caterpillars, you’ve gotten rid of your birds.” Tallamy said there are four things every ecosystem needs to accomplish: sequester carbon dioxide, manage the watershed, support the local food web and support pollinators. “A lawn does none of those,” Tallamy said. “It’s the worst plant for carbon sequestration. It destroys watersheds rather than manages them. It doesn’t support any pollinators, and it doesn’t support any food webs.” His latest book, “The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees,” published in 2021, focuses on oaks because the native species supports over 950 species of caterpillars, far more than other trees. The problems facing Delaware’s ecology – climate change, the extinction crisis, overpopulation of deer and invasive species – are all linked together. Humans and nature cannot exist separately, Tallamy added, since our actions impact areas like White Clay Creek State Park that are often considered pristine untouched nature. “You go to White Clay Creek, walk around, and over a third of that vegetation is from China,” Tallamy said. Tallamy’s interest in conservation began when he was in third grade and a bulldozer filled in a pond near Tallamy’s childhood home, killing his favorite toads. “I pursued it in the same way that everybody did,” Tallamy said. “I thought we had to preserve what wasn’t wrecked yet. I never once thought about enhancing our yard where I lived. It never occurred to me. Nature was someplace else.” Tallamy’s shift toward public advocacy started when he moved to Oxford, Pa., and saw how invasive plants covered his lawn. He worked with an undergraduate conducting research into how invasive plants damage the food web for insects, which in turn hurts bird populations. An article on his research got picked up by the Associated Press, leading to a bird club in Pennsylvania inviting him to give a speech. “My message is that you can help turn this around,” Tallamy said. “People get excited about that. I get four talk requests a day now.” Tallamy’s own garden is a testament to native plants, with 10 species of oaks living along with 120 genera of woody plants on his 10-acre property in Oxford. Newark Neighbors is a biweekly column that spotlights everyday Newarkers who have an interesting story. Know somebody who should be featured? Contact reporter Matt Hooke at mhooke(a)chespub.com.

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Inaugural WV TRAIL Conference Energizes Mass Effort for Statewide Trails Movement
by DUANE NICHOLS 30 Nov '21

30 Nov '21

https://www.railstotrails.org/trailblog/2021/november/23/inaugural-wv-trail… Inaugural WV TRAIL Conference Energizes Mass Effort for Statewide Trails Movement Kelly Pack is RTC's trail development director and a driving force behind many successul rail-trail projects around the country. Pack recently served as a lead author for RTC's 2013 America's Rails-with-Trails report. Posted 11/23/21 by Kelly Pack in America's Trails As part of the conference program, longtime West Virginia trail advocates Peggy Pings, Ella Belling and Amanda Pitzer celebrate Ella’s recognition as a leader of trail advocacy on the Mon River Rail-Trail System in Morgantown. | Photo courtesy Amanda Pitzer Exciting happenings in West Virginia last week—as local and national trail advocates gathered virtually for the inaugural WV TRAIL Conference (Nov. 16–18, 2021). Hosted by WV TRAIL, the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program, Friends of the Cheat and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the conference brought together more than 250 people with the goal of building a broad network of trail planners, managers and advocates from across the Mountain State. Special thank you to the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, whose generous support to the Mountain State Trail Alliance and Rails-to-Trails Conservancy made this conference possible. In his keynote address on Tuesday, Nov. 16, Peter Harnik, RTC co-founder and author of “From Rails To Trails: The Making of America’s Active Transportation Network,” highlighted West Virginia’s role and good standing as a national leader in rail-trail development, noting the nearly 600 miles of rail-trails that crisscross the state. RELATED: Top 10 Trails in West Virginia West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby emphasized the demand for trails in her welcome remarks. “I regularly meet with local officials across the state, and I’ve never had a meeting where somebody didn’t say, ‘What can I do to get more trails in my area?’” said Ruby. “It’s the hot topic.” Rich Edwards, the outdoor recreation infrastructure coordinator for West Virginia University’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative emphasized the importance of trails in boosting West Virginia’s economy. He stated, “Our dream is a West Virginia that is known as a place for outdoor recreation ... the energy from this conference makes me think that dream is being realized.” Caperton Trail along the Mon River in Morgantown, West Virginia | Courtesy RTC Conference attendees heard from a variety of panelists and speakers who shared inspiring stories, lessons learned and recommendations for building a trails movement in West Virginia. On Wednesday, RTC’s Vice President of Communications, Brandi Horton, joined Flatwater Trail Commission leader Bill Currey and West Virginia-based communications strategist James Hersick to share stories and strategies for communicating the impact of trails. The closing session on Thursday, “Trail Advocacy in Action,” highlighted the role and importance of engaging state, local and federal officials to support investment in trail development at all levels of government. State Rep. Kent Smith (D-Ohio), State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Ind.) and Andrea LaFontaine, executive director of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance, spoke about the impact of legislative trails caucuses—which have built support and momentum for trail development in Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin in recent years—while Mayor Amy Goodwin (Charleston, West Virginia), Mayor Sam Felton (Marlinton, West Virginia) and Amy Dingle of Five Rivers MetroParks (Dayton, Ohio) shared successful strategies for engaging decisionmakers at the local level. To round things out, Marianne Fowler, RTC’s senior strategist for policy advocacy, provided a helpful overview of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and its potential impact for West Virginia communities. Analysis: Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill Passes With New Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking Greenbrier River Trail in Marlinton, West Virginia | Photo by TrailLink user tarwheel Along with nonmotorized trail groups from across the Mountain State, RTC is contributing to the trail movement in West Virginia by creating and connecting a broad network of trail advocates and users through our leadership in the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition and beyond. We look forward to supporting WV TRAIL, the new statewide trails organization that aims to increase the awareness of and appreciation for trails of all kinds—with a mission to develop a vibrant network of trail leaders who will work toward expanding trail systems throughout West Virginia.

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Can a Better Understanding of Fungi Help Restore Northeastern Forests? | Sierra Club
by DUANE NICHOLS 29 Nov '21

29 Nov '21

https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/can-better-understanding-fungi-help-resto… Can a Better Understanding of Fungi Help Restore Northeastern Forests? Why we should respect soil as a living organism By Lela Nargi, Sierra Club Magazine, Nov 24 2021 In the northeastern United States, deciduous hardwood forests have been experiencing declines for decades. A new study from Clark University and the Nature Conservancy, for example, found that New York and New England have been losing a combined average of 23,500 acres of forest a year to development, agriculture, and other land uses. Even in the remaining smaller, fragmented tracts of trees, though, change is afoot. It can come from blights like beech bark disease or pests like the emerald ash borer, which can weaken trees or kill some of them outright. Or, the changes can be subtler, with various species starting to thrive in some places while others become supplanted. Some of this is just the way in which what’s called succession, or the natural replacement of plant and animal species over time, works in forests. Some of it is attributable to climate change, in which warming temperatures are altering what species grow and thrive in certain regions. Why and how change is happening, and what the implications could be for people seeking to conserve or restore forested land, are questions that Nahuel Policelli and Corinne Vietorisz, researchers in the Bhatnagar Lab of Microbial Ecology at Boston University, have been looking to answer. Their interest, though, lies less in what’s happening aboveground with the trees themselves (a departure from conservationists’ traditional concern, which, according to Policelli, has the potential to result in conservation failures) and more in the role of fungal communities, located belowground in soil and attached to tree roots, in forests’ changes. “Fungi in general have been overlooked along with other soil microbes,” says Policelli. “They are tiny and difficult to study, but in the last 20 years we have the technology to identify them and which processes they’re involved in.” Policelli and Vietorisz recently embarked on a new project to examine the soil in urban forests in Massachusetts, to see if they could figure out how fungi living in soil as well as ectomycorrhizal fungi—that is, fungi that attach to tree roots and allow them to better access nutrients and water in exchange for sugar—might be assisting pine trees in encroaching into predominantly oak and other hardwood forests. “Pine trees have been cut multiple times since the British colonization, to build ships, and they always come back; this is the fourth or fifth time these forests have regenerated this way,” says Policelli. “Our work is a little piece of the puzzle of pine encroachment [and] how forests are shifting. How do [microbes like fungi] change soil, and what will happen to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous [in the soil] as pines move in and forests change?” Photo courtesy of Katherine Sotiropoulou (undergrad student, Boston University) To find out what’s going on down there, over the course of several humid weeks this past summer and early fall, Policelli led a small team out into six local fragmented forests: three sites in Harvard Forest in Petersham; Hammond Woods in Newton; Landlocked Forest in Burlington; and Whipple Hill in Lexington. Each of these spots, on which the team will conduct soil and root comparisons, contain four types of forest: mature pine, mature hardwood, hardwood with young pines encroaching, and mixed forest featuring both mature hardwood and mature pines. One overarching question the team hopes to answer: Which ones have the greatest fungal species diversity, and how might that be affecting the diversity of trees growing there? Plunging a sterilized knife into the dirt, the team collected soil “brownies” at various forest intervals, starting with the city-abutting edge and then moving farther into the forest’s interior, as fungal and other microbial communities are known to differ along this gradient, according to Vietorisz. They also took soil core samples to check root density, and to determine which kinds of ectomycorrhizal fungi are pairing with different tree species. Analyzing DNA and RNA extracted from their samples will additionally allow Policelli and Vietorisz to identify which fungi are associated with which trees and to figure out how the fungi are interacting with their host trees and impacting carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous in the soil. At the moment, “It is unknown how the changes in fungal communities with [pine encroachment] relate to the changes in soil nutrients, and if there are key fungal species that may be drivers of soil nutrient changes,” explained Vietorisz by email. “We care about this because soil nutrient changes could affect the health of native forests, soil carbon storage, decomposition, and lots of other things. Or, if ectomycorrhizae and pines are preferentially [encroaching on] areas with specific soil nutrient conditions, that could help predict where pines may [encroach]” and perhaps allow for interventions before things get too serious. What is known, though, is that pines can have a strong propensity for taking over. In the Global South, pine trees were planted for timber beginning in the early 20th century. A lot of these plantations were abandoned starting in the 1950s, whereafter some trees started to invade native areas, says Policelli, taking over grasslands and turning mixed forests into monospecific ones—until researchers realized the trees were being helped along by ectomycorrhizal fungi and were thus able to change the way they managed the invasions. “Before, they were investing tons of money to get rid of pines, but now we understand that to control pines and restore areas, we need to consider the belowground aspect,” Policelli says. And although there are differences in the ways non-native pine trees invade in places like Argentina and New Zealand, and the way native pine trees encroach in New England, the way the ectomycorrhizal partnership works between the trees and fungi is the same. Another question for the researchers is whether understanding the underground functioning of one will shed understanding into the underground functioning of the other. Above all, though, what Policelli hopes materializes from his and other research around these fungal relationships is that forest conservationists will start to think more holistically about what goes on in the soil—and how that affects what goes on above it. “Stop considering soil as the recipient—this black box we put nutrients like nitrogen into,” he says, “and start thinking of it as a living organism.”

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Buckley Table 11-17-2021.docx
by DUANE NICHOLS 17 Nov '21

17 Nov '21

For your information, these tables on the Cheat River watershed were released today in the River of Promise program of the Friends of the Cheat. Sent from my iPad

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WNS takes a toll on West Virginia bat populations - The Wildlife Society
by DUANE NICHOLS 29 Oct '21

29 Oct '21

https://wildlife.org/wns-takes-a-toll-on-west-virginia-bat-populations/ WNS takes a toll on West Virginia bat populations By Joshua Rapp Learn, Wildlife Society, I October 18, 2021 Researchers found that little brown bats in West Virginia declined due to white-nose syndrome. Credit: Keith Christenson Populations of several bat species plummeted in West Virginia due to the spread of the deadly white-nose syndrome over the past decade, according to long-term surveys. White-nose syndrome has decimated bat populations across much of North America. A fungal disease, it kills affected bats during hibernation periods, causing them to use more energy than uninfected bats during colder winter weather. A researcher extracts a Virginia long-eared bat (Corynorhinus townsendii virginianus) from a mist net. Credit: Tim Jones Researchers in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia wondered how it was affecting the state’s 11 known bat species. Biologists had conducted mist net surveys for bats at hundreds of different sites in the forest since the late 1990s—before white-nose syndrome emerged—and recorded the species, body condition and sex of the bats they captured. “It became very fortuitous that we had all this data before white-nose syndrome hit,” said Catherine Johnson, who then worked as the wildlife program manager for the Monongahela National Forest. In a study published recently in Ecology and Evolution, Johnson and her colleagues split the data into two portions. They compared data from 2003 to 2008, before WNS was confirmed in the state, to data taken on surveys from 2011 to 2019, after it had spread through West Virginia. Northern long-eared bats were among those that declined after white-nose syndrome struck West Virginia. Credit: Keith Christenson “We could see this long-term change,” said Johnson, who now works as a coastal ecologist with the National Park Service. They found that three species declined dramatically after WNS hit the state: little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), northern long-eared bats (Myotis septentrionalis) and tricolored bats (Perimyotis subflavus). Those trends matched data gathered from other research conducted on hibernacula counts, Johnson said. The population of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis), however, actually increased after WNS appeared in the state. Johnson isn’t sure why, but other research has shown that big brown bats may benefit from more prey availability when WNS diminishes other species. They may also benefit from more quality roost space, Johnson said. Other bat species, like federally endangered Indiana bats (Myotis sodalis), also declined but were so rare even before WNS that it was hard to tell what was happening statistically, Johnson said. A tricolored bat with white-nose syndrome symptoms visible on its nose. Credit: Craig Stihler The researchers also found that two species—northern long-eared bats and big brown bats—began to breed 5 to 6 days earlier on average in recent years. That may be attributed to the spread of the disease, Johnson said, or it may be due to climate change. “These bats are dealing with so many different things at the same time,” she said. “White nose syndrome is one, but there’s also habitat loss, disturbance of hibernacula and maternity roosts, climate change and many other stressors.”

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Some History of Mont Chateau
by DUANE NICHOLS 27 Oct '21

27 Oct '21

John May on Facebook Admin · October 10 at 7:22 PM · The bill to sell Mont Chateau had passed the Senate during the 1977 Legislative session. House delegates from Monongalia County, however, opposed the bill, arguing that access to the trail system and the only public beach on Cheat Lake would be eliminated. One local delegate charged that DNR had “purposely let the property run down … and made the property unattractive to the public to encourage the sale.” The bill failed to pass the House. Mont Chateau Beach, from the Morgantown Dominion Post 4/15/1977: >>>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>> John May on Facebook Admin · October 12 at 7:31 PM · The bill to sell Mont Chateau had failed to pass the Legislature. Quarry Management had terminated its lease and no other prospective parties could be found to manage the Park. DNR did not want to resume operation due to the prohibitive costs to rehabilitate the facilities. The State had a property that it could neither sell nor operate as a park. There followed some discussion as to repurposing the Lodge for other uses. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps, for example, had expressed interest in the building but, upon an on-site inspection, the facility was deemed “not large enough to provide the necessary housing room and would be too expensive to convert to uses to suit our purpose.” On June 21, 1977, Governor Jay Rockefeller announced that the Mont Chateau Lodge would be leased to and occupied by the West Virginia Geological Survey, at that time housed in White Hall on the WVU campus and in several leased facilities in the Morgantown area. From the Morgantown Morning Reporter 7/12/1977: >>>>>>>>………………………>>>>>>>>>…………………………>>>>>>>>>> John May on Facebook Admin · October 7 at 7:35 PM · Unable to generate income from the Park, and given the neglected state of the Lodge, DNR recommended that Mont Chateau be sold. Per the DNR Director, “The public doesn’t support it. It never has been popular since the day it was built.” A resolution to sell the property for not less than $1,000,000 was proposed in the 1977 Legislative session. The rationale given for the proposal was that, “as of late, Mont Chateau operated more as a hotel than a park and did not fit into the scheme of the State Park system because it only had 42 acres that were not suitable for recreational development”. Per the chairperson of the House Parks sub-committee, “It will cost much to upgrade the park in a condition that will not embarrass the State and dim the image of the other State Parks. On the other hand, we do believe the park can be easily sold to the adjoining country club or land developers on Cheat Lake.” From the Morgantown Dominion Post, 1/12/1977:

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Scientists work to catch up with Va.’s endangered and threatened species before it’s too late - Virginia Mercury
by DUANE NICHOLS 20 Oct '21

20 Oct '21

https://www.virginiamercury.com/2021/10/20/scientists-work-to-catch-up-with… Scientists work to catch up with Va.’s endangered and threatened species before it’s too late Following an announcement in September from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that 23 species should be declared extinct, Virginia’s environmental scientists are feeling the pressure to learn more about the commonwealth’s endangered and threatened species so they can be protected. “That list really highlights that extinction is not just a down-the-road possibility; it’s a very real possibility that can happen now,” said Anne Chazal, chief biologist at Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Natural Heritage Inventory. “People think of it as a tropical rainforest issue or an arctic tundra issue, but this is happening in the rivers and forests of Virginia.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists 71 endangered and threatened species living in Virginia. The list is made up of fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates, birds, mammals and plants. The convergence of northern and southern habitats spanning from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic makes Virginia ecologically unique, according to Tom Akre, program scientist at the Conservation Ecology Center at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. “Ecologically, Virginia is an amazing crossroads, and as a result, we have amazing biodiversity and lots of species that are threatened and endangered because they were naturally on the margins of their ranges anyways or naturally not super abundant across wide ranges,” said Akre. Matthias Leu, associate biology professor at William and Mary, said he is concerned about the future for many of these species. “I don’t think it’s looking very good,” said Leu. “We’re worldwide losing a lot of species across all taxons, and the sad part for a lot of these species is we don’t even know how well they’re doing before all of a sudden they’re gone.” Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County is home to one of Virginia’s last breeding populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers, Oct. 8, 2021. (Evan Visconti/ For the Virginia Mercury) Habitats are changing Sara Zeigler, a research geographer at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Coastal and Marine Science Center, said endangered species are often threatened by changes to their habitat. “It’s this constant conflict between habitat and people,” Zeigler said. In Virginia, Zeigler analyzed the habitat of the piping plover, a threatened shorebird that nests along Virginia’s barrier islands during the spring and summer. The piping plover requires wash-over habitats, which are created when an event such as a storm pushes sand and dunes from the beach further inland, covering much of the vegetation. “That allows the birds to nest further back from the ocean shoreline so the nest isn’t in danger of being flooded,” said Zeigler. “It gives them a lot of visibility so they can see any predators coming from shrubs or grasses on the interior. It also gives them access to the back side of the barrier which is where they bring their chicks to forage after they hatch.” When shorelines are developed and communities build sea walls or engineer dunes to protect from flooding, those overwash features that provide a habitat for piping plovers disappear, said Zeigler, and so do the piping plovers. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is experiencing a similar problem further inland. It requires large swaths of mature pine forest to survive due in part to the fact that it is the only woodpecker that excavates nesting cavities in live trees, according to Brian van Eerden, the Nature Conservancy’s Virginia Pinelands Program director. An aerial view of Piney Grove Preserve’s longleaf pine savanna, Oct. 3, 2021. (Evan Visconti/ For the Virginia Mercury) The southern longleaf pine forest historically provided tens of millions of acres of suitable habitat spanning south from Virginia to Florida and east all the way to Texas. “The red-cockaded woodpecker filled that niche with a large communal population structure,” said van Eerden. “Over the course of several hundred years, starting at Jamestown with colonial activities until the 1990s, there was a degradation of forest conditions suitable for species like the red-cockaded woodpecker,” said van Eerden. “The collapse of the red-cockaded woodpecker mirrored the collapse of the habitat it depends on.” Much of the southern pine forest was developed for agricultural land and harvested for timber. The natural role of fire in shaping the forest ecosystem was also curtailed. Without fire, the forest becomes thick and overgrown, limiting the abundance of herbaceous vegetation and causing a chain reaction that adversely affects the red-cockaded woodpecker’s source of food: insects, said van Eerden. The Nature Conservancy manages nearly 4,000 acres of forest called the Piney Grove Preserve in Sussex County. In an effort to restore the natural habitat and return the red-cockaded woodpecker to Virginia, conservationists began an aggressive prescribed burning program, removed canopy trees, installed artificial cavities (or nests) in trees and brought in juvenile red-cockaded woodpeckers from a donor population in South Carolina, said van Eerden. “We now have a stable enough population that we can safely contribute juvenile birds to other recovery areas, like the Great Dismal Swamp,” said van Eerden. “That’s a very convincing example of how we used science and some of the best ecological forest managers to drive population growth.” Relying on the science Conservation efforts across Virginia depend on scientists to monitor species’ populations and determine what a particular ecosystem or species needs in order to survive. This often requires teams of scientists to go into the field to collect data and make visual assessments. “We really need to be outdoorsy people who enjoy going out early in the morning and late at night to get bitten by mosquitos,” said Leu. “We are always pointing into the landscape and assessing the diversity at those points, so we need to be really well versed in recognizing bird songs and frog vocalizations and identifying plant species.” Christopher Davis, a fisheries biologist at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, monitors endangered Atlantic sturgeon and sea turtles in Virginia waterways as part of the Protected Species Observer Program. Davis teams up with commercial gillnet fisherman to study and track any sturgeon or sea turtles that get pulled up as accidental bycatch. If a sturgeon is caught, Davis sticks a transponder tag in it to track its movements after it is released. “We get length, weight and document any injuries that we see,” said Davis. “Then we get a fin clip for a DNA sample and we release it.” Different types of tags are used to monitor sturgeon movements. A VEMCO tag utilizes a string of receivers across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel that pings the tag when it comes within range to give scientists an estimate of the number of fish coming in and out of the bay. An Atlantic sturgeon caught off the coast of Chincoteague is tagged as part of the Protected Species Observer Program, April 25, 2021. (Photo by Christopher Davis) Additionally, scientists are utilizing new technology that can detect environmental DNA, or eDNA, in a given ecosystem to determine whether a species is present, said Akre, who used eDNA to detect threatened wood turtles in Virginia. “In the places we worked in northern Virginia, eDNA was almost as effective as visual encounter surveys at finding wood turtles, and it’s significantly cheaper because you don’t have to pay all these people to go out there and do these surveys,” said Akre. “You don’t get an understanding of how abundant the populations are, but it is a great surveillance tool and a fairly cheap one.” Surveyors from Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources snorkeling in the Clinch River at Speers Ferry to try to document all mussel species present at the site, Sep. 17, 2017. (Photo by Brian Watson) Scientists essentially take a sample of water (land and air eDNA samples are still being developed) and test it to see if they can find a particular species’ DNA. If the DNA is found in the water sample, scientists now have reason to believe that the species can be found in that ecosystem. Brian Watson, the statewide aquatic invertebrate biologist at Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources, said eDNA is starting to be used to look for certain species of mussel, but the science is still in the works. Virginia is home to a wide diversity of freshwater mussel species, several of which are endemic, or only found in one particular location. Due to freshwater mussels’ immobility, complex breeding process and overall sensitivity to changes in their ecosystem, they make up the largest portion of Virginia’s federally endangered species, said Watson. “eDNA, if it works properly, will allow you to get into a lot of sites rapidly and at least get an answer to the question of whether a particular species is present there or not,” said Watson. “It’s definitely an interesting tool that we are pursuing for freshwater mussels.” Given freshwater mussels’ stream bottom habitat and the sheer miles of waterways in Virginia, surveying with traditional methods can be difficult and time consuming, according to Watson. Watson sees drawbacks in potential false positives or negatives with the use of eDNA, but Akre and other scientists around the world are working to make eDNA more reliable and eventually have the ability to measure population abundance. “If we can use eDNA for abundance, then we can use it beyond just surveillance but also for monitoring how well a population is doing,” said Akre. “It does have great value in Virginia for detecting rare and endangered species.” xxx

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Take Your Leaf Peeping Escape to New Heights in West Virginia
by DUANE NICHOLS 04 Oct '21

04 Oct '21

Pictures of the day, of the week, of the month, October 2021. DGN https://www.mensjournal.com/travel/take-your-leaf-peeping-escape-to-new-hei… Take Your Leaf Peeping Escape to New Heights in West Virginia Blackwater Falls is an absolute masterpiece in autumn. Courtesy Image This article was produced in partnership with West Virginia Department of Tourism. Whether you’re desperately clinging on to the last glimmer of summer or eagerly counting down to the first day of fall, one thing’s for certain—autumn is coming. It’s time to grab your gear, pack your bags, and load up the car for that leaf peeping road trip you’ve been talking about. The crisp autumn air starts working its magic in late September, transforming summer’s lush canopies into sepia-tinted masterpieces across the country. But Mother Nature saves one of her most spectacular seasonal performances for West Virginia, where things are (quite literally) taken to new heights. The Mountain State is, not surprisingly, blessed with an awesome range of elevation. This rich and diverse topography allows the fall foliage to gradually reveal itself in waves for weeks on end. Depending on what part of Almost Heaven you’re exploring, you could either be a couple hundred or a few thousand feet above sea level, with nothing but stunning vistas and jaw-dropping panoramas as far as the eye can see. Trust us…it’s a show you won’t want to miss. Beech and birch trees erupt in brilliant explosions of gold. Scarlet oak and sumac trees become blanketed in crimson. And some species like witch hazel, hornbeam, and white oak trees dish out technicolored palettes that combine shades of copper, ochre, and burnt sienna. So whether you’re gazing out from a mountain overlook, wandering the winding trails, or enjoying the views during a statewide road trip, there’s an entire season of leaf peeping just waiting to be discovered this fall in West Virginia. Don’t miss the chance to see the majestic scenery for yourself—here’s how to plan an unforgettable leaf peeping adventure in Almost Heaven. Courtesy Image When to Go The cooler temperatures typically start hitting West Virginia’s higher elevations in late September. Regions like the Potomac Highlands become painted in bursts of burgundy, chestnut, and marigold. As the vibrant hues start washing over the treetops, in-the-know visitors head to iconic sites like Snowshoe Mountain and Canaan Valley Resort State Park to catch an early glimpse. Be sure to visit Monongahela National Forest. The national recreation area contains Seneca Rocks (paradise for rock climbers) and Spruce Knob, West Virginia’s highest peak, clocking in at 4,863 feet above sea level. Soon after, the flood of fall colors makes its way to Mountaineer Country and the Greenbrier Valley, dazzling onlookers in Historic Lewisburg and Stonewall Resort State Park. By late-October, the Northern Panhandle is usually in full swing. The region’s Tomlinson Run State Park converts into a spellbinding autumnal oasis, drawing hikers and campers in search of the changing leaves. It’s also the perfect time to visit the Mid-Ohio Valley, flaunting hot spots like Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park and the North Bend Rail Trail. Toward the end of the month, the dazzling display prepares for its final act. This is when you’ll want to explore regions like the Eastern Panhandle, Metro Valley, and New River-Greenbrier Valley. You can also choose to witness Mother Nature’s mesmerizing exhibition at other popular sites close by, like Babcock State Park and Hawks Nest State Park. Glade Creek Mill in fall Courtesy Image Can’t-Miss Leaf Peeping Destinations Babcock State Park: Babcock State Park is a fan favorite all year long, but it’s a real showstopper in the fall. Located in Clifftop, the beloved park boasts 4,127 acres of striking scenery that lures daredevils of all disciplines, from mountain bikers to whitewater rafters. It also happens to be one of the most photographed spots in the entire state, thanks to its iconic Glade Creek Grist Mill (above). The fully functional structure is a replica of the original Cooper’s Mill, which formerly operated on the grounds. The rustic campsite is an idyllic haven to use as a basecamp during your visit, complete with 28 electrical hook-up sites, 24 non-electric sites, and fully stocked cabins available to guests. Blackwater Falls State Park Courtesy Image Blackwater Falls State Park: Don’t be misled by the name…Blackwater Falls comes alive in the fall with one of the most vibrant foliage displays in the state. Tucked away in the Potomac Highlands and surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, Blackwater Falls actually draws its name from the amber-colored waters that rush from its namesake 62-foot cascade, darkened by the tannic acid released from fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. The park offers plenty of picture-perfect moments, from the waterfall viewing platforms to Pendleton Point Overlook and Lindy Point Overlook, which peers across the Blackwater River Canyon. Table Rock is another can’t-miss spot within the park. The famed rock climbing site offers spectacular mountain vistas and can be found toward the far western end of Canaan Loop Road. There are also 75 primitive campsites strung along the 18-mile road, which make for a magical getaway. Fall foliage in the Mountain State. Courtesy Image Dolly Sods Wilderness: Part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, Dolly Sods Wilderness sprawls across more than 17,000 acres within the Monongahela National Forest. Here, elevations range from 2,500 to over 4,700 feet, lending to drastic demonstrations of fall foliage that cover the spectrum from butterscotch to rich mahogany. Fishing, hunting, and camping are all desired activities at Dolly Sods, but the best leaf peeping experiences exist along its 47 miles of trails, most of which follow weathered railroad grades and old logging pathways. In the 1940s, the military used this region for World War II maneuvers and mountain training. Though the area has been swept, hikers are encouraged to stay on designated paths as there may still be live mortar shells. Coopers Rock State Forest comes to life in the fall. Courtesy Image Coopers Rock State Forest: Ask any West Virginian to rattle off their favorite spots to watch the autumn leaves change, and chances are Coopers Rock State Forest will rank high up on their list. Located in Bruceton Mills, this iconic forest covers more than 12,700 acres—so there’s no shortage of foliage to see. The main overlook gives way to sweeping views of the Cheat River Gorge that stretch on for miles and miles. Immerse yourself in the action by exploring the forest’s 50-plus miles of zigzagging hiking and biking trails. There’s also a six-acre, trout-filled pond on the north side of the forest, providing a quiet retreat to appreciate the autumn scenery in all its glory. Harpers Ferry National Historic Park: If you’re on the hunt for an Instagram-worthy, autumn-themed escape, look no further than Harpers Ferry. This cozy little town serves up all the quintessential fall vibes you can imagine. The historic community sits at the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. It’s chock-full of waterfront views, beautiful brick buildings, and charming storefronts, restaurants, and museums. It’s the perfect place to stroll the quiet tree-lined streets with a hot apple cider in hand. Visitors can also trek to serene overlooks, hike along skirmish lines from the Civil War, or join a ranger-guided wilderness tour. A visit to Harpers Ferry feels like you’re turning back the hands of time to a picturesque, bygone era. Blackwater Falls State Park Courtesy Image Where to Stay to Take Advantage of Fall Foliage Blackwater Falls State Park: Tucked away in the mountains of Tucker County, Blackwater Falls State Park offers an extensive range of outdoor excursions for visitors. The park was officially established in the 1930s, but the area had been attracting adventure enthusiasts since the early 1800s. Its key features include the namesake Blackwater Falls, as well as Elakala Falls, Lindy Point, and Pendleton Point Overlook. Within the park, overnight guests can immerse themselves in nature by taking advantage of their range of lodging options. The park has 39 fully furnished cabins, a 65-unit tent and trailer campground, a spacious 54-room mountain lodge, and a Tentrr campsite with additional standalone canvas platform tents. Lafayette Flats: Planning to explore the New River Gorge? Find your home away from home at Lafayette Flats. Located in charming Fayetteville, this boutique property blends historic appeal with all the modern-day comforts you’d expect. The grand brick building boasts four open and airy flats for visitors to choose from: the Nuttall, Corten, Quinnimont, and Eddy. After checking in, spend the day discovering local hidden gems downtown or working up a sweat in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Comfortable, clean, and conveniently located—what more could you ask for? Hotel Morgan: Nestled deep in the heart of Mountaineer Country, Morgantown is a quaint town known for its rapidly growing multicultural heritage. Home to West Virginia University, the destination has an always-on energy, thanks to its youthful collegiate population (which also comes with a frenetic nightlife scene, exceptional restaurants, and an eclectic arts community). Here, visitors will find the polished Hotel Morgan, a Wyndham Hotel. Sleek and sophisticated, this refurbished hotel is perfectly positioned on Main Street, and just a 15-minute drive to Coopers Rock State Forest. Bavarian Inn: Looking for more international flair? Consider booking an escape to the Bavarian Inn, perched on a striking bluff that overlooks the Potomac River Bend (just minutes from Harpers Ferry). A stay at this 11-acre, European-inspired boutique resort will feel like you’ve traveled worlds away (but luckily, you can leave the passport at home). Steeped in Alpine heritage, the luxurious property offers 72 spacious state rooms (where you can cozy up next to a gas fireplace) or live large in one of its four classical old-world chalets. And in true Bavarian tradition, make sure to stop by its on-site Brew Pub, Brew Lounge, and outdoor Beer Garden. This is the perfect place to splurge on a romantic autumnal retreat. The Billy Motel: Sure, the idea of bunking at a motel might not be your first choice, but The Billy Motel is anything but typical. This boutique motel is equal parts retro and edgy, with a dash of (what they call) “hillbilly fabulous.” Positioned off Route 32, the 10-room property was recently renovated and oozes personality. This mountaintop getaway is only minutes from the nearby towns of Thomas and Davis, teeming with funky shops, cool coffee bars, art galleries, and music venues. Outdoor adventure hubs like Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Canaan Valley State Park, and Monongahela National Forest are also just a short drive away. Canaan Valley Cabins: For a more private escape, check out the inventory listed by Canaan Valley Cabins. The company offers a diverse assortment of rentals and vacation homes sprinkled throughout the Canaan Valley. From isolated log cabins deep in the woods to bucolic estates that can sleep the whole crew, they offer something to fit every taste and budget. Plus, you can find your perfect retreat by filtering options with criteria such as pet-friendly listings, waterfront locations, and more. No matter where you wind up booking, you’ll be right in the heart of the region’s brilliant fall foliage and heart-racing outdoor exploits. Oglebay Resort: The stately Oglebay Resort can be found in Wheeling, just an hour from Pittsburgh, two hours from Columbus, and three hours from Cleveland. It’s perched on 1,700 rolling acres and offers tons of activities fit for the whole family. The recently updated Wilson Lodge sports first-class accommodations with top-notch amenities, while their collection of cottage rentals and estate homes come in three tiers: rustic, deluxe, and premium. Play a round on one of their four golf courses, spend the day exploring Schenk Lake (outfitted with pedal boats, mini golf, and an aerial challenge course), or get up close and personal with the wildlife of The Good Zoo.

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