2025 Conference

Allegheny Trail: Nature & History Interpretative Hike
Instructor: Doug Wood
Last year, the West Virginia Scenic Trails Association (WVSTA) proudly celebrated 50 years of dedication to long-distance trail development! Our flagship project, the Allegheny Trail (ALT), was originally designed to stretch from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Monroe County, WV/Giles County, VA, to Blackwater Falls State Park. Over time, the trail expanded northward, reaching all the way to the Mason-Dixon Line. Thanks to the unwavering support of park staff and the Monongahela National Forest, WVSTA volunteers have worked tirelessly to develop, protect, and enhance this incredible trail. Alongside landowning partners, we’ve also contributed to vital flora and fauna research and conservation efforts over the past five decades.

Join us on this scenic hike as we explore the rich history of the ALT and discover how trail development and environmental conservation go hand in hand. Experience firsthand the beauty and biodiversity that make this trail a true West Virginia treasure! *3 mile walk on uneven terrain (1.5 mi. uphill and 1.5 mi. downhill). Please wear appropriate footwear and rain gear. Bring your own drink, snack, and any medications/epi-pens needed.

Back to Basics: Compass & Topographic Maps
Instructor: Dr. Sheldon Owen & Ben Spong
Whether you are wandering, searching, or just plain lost, a map and compass can be your best friends. This course will cover the basics of how to use a compass with in-the-field activities where we hope you don’t get lost. Then we will be back in the classroom to introduce participants to topographic maps. We will discuss the information found on the map itself, how to use it, and finish up putting the map and compass together so you can start your path orienteering with a map and compass. Maps and a compass will be provided but feel free to bring your own. *Short walks on even terrain.

Back to Basics 2.0: GPS & UTM’s
Instructor: Dr. Sheldon Owen & Ben Spong
Map and compass is fun but let’s bring some technology into the mix. Get ready for an afternoon of alphabet soup using a GPS and UTM coordinates. This course will introduce you to the basics of using a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) to mark waypoints, find waypoints, and determine your location on the earth’s surface. We will then be back in the classroom to use the information gathered from the GPS to determine our location on a topographic map. We will also dive a little deeper into using UTM coordinates to navigate around a topographic map. GPS units and maps will be provided but feel free to bring your own. *Short walks on even terrain.

Build a Bat House & Learn How to Attract Bats
Instructor: Charles H. “Sam” Muncy, Jr
Join us for a fun and interactive workshop where you’ll build your very own bat house nesting box from a pre-cut kit—perfect for attracting these incredible nighttime pollinators to your yard! With guidance from our expert instructor (and assistant David Hart), you’ll use a screwdriver to assemble your bat house, ensuring it’s sturdy and ready for use. You’ll also receive a template and step-by-step instructions to make even more boxes at home. Learn fascinating facts about bats, their role in the ecosystem, and how to create a bat-friendly environment. Dive into an engaging PowerPoint presentation about bats and the impact of white-nose syndrome.

Have bat photos? Send them digitally to the instructor before the workshop, and be ready to briefly share your images and stories with the group.

Discover the Wonder Within: A Mindful Nature Experience with Wonder & Grow
Instructors: Kate Reed & Valerie Hart
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature and discover its power to transform and inspire! Join Wonder & Grow for a unique Mindful Nature Experience that combines guided sensory meditations, gentle movement, and immersive exploration. This class is your invitation to slow down, awaken your senses, and reconnect with the natural world around you. You’ll learn practical techniques to deepen your presence, quiet the mind, and cultivate a profound sense of connection to the earth’s rhythms—all while nurturing your own well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or simply nature-curious, this experience will leave you feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and more attuned to the wonders of the wild. Let the world fade away as you journey into the heart of mindfulness and nature! *Slow moving walk on nearby trail. Possible uneven terrain. Please bring water and dress to be outside.

Douglas Falls Interpretative Guided Hike
Instructors: Kacey Shiflett & Amanda Rexrode
Join us for an engaging guided hike through Douglas, where history, ecology, and stunning waterfalls come together! Once a bustling coal town, Douglas is rich in history and natural beauty. As we drive in, we’ll stop to explore the remnants of the old coke ovens before setting off on our journey. Along the trail, we’ll take in breathtaking waterfalls while learning about the diverse flora and fauna that call this area home. Don’t miss this opportunity to step back in time and experience the wonders of Douglas firsthand! *Long walk on flat terrain.

Early Morning Bird Walks (Saturday & Sunday mornings)
Instructor: Herb Myers
What better way to wake up than strolling through hemlocks and birches to the sights and sounds of warblers, thrushes and wrens? Blackwater Falls State Park in June is dripping with both nesting residents and also migrants. Possible sightings or at least hearings include Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Hairy Woodpeckers, Blue-headed Vireos, Common Ravens, Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Hermit Thrushes, Winter Wrens, Purple Finches, Red Crossbills, and Dark-eyed Juncos. It is also warbler time and may include Ovenbird, Black-throated Blue, Magnolia and Canada Warblers among others? Join me and see who we see and/or hear!
*Meet at 6:30 AM in the lobby of the lodge on Saturday and in the parking lot at the sled run on Sunday. We will do an easy stroll on the pavement and be back in time for breakfast. All levels of birding experience/abilities are welcome. Dress for the weather, grab your binoculars and a field guide (if you use one). You may use the Merlin app but not to call birds.

Ferns & Fern Allies of the WV High Country
Instructor: John Burkhart
Blackwater Falls has a great assortment of ferns and fern allies. We’ll be able to find ferns from fields, several different forest types, cliffs and boulders, epiphytes growing on trees, and wetlands. We’ll also be able to identify numerous clubmosses, which are diverse in the high elevations of West Virginia. During the class, we will take time to discuss and practice aspects of fern morphology, ecology, life-history, and reproduction, so that participants are well-equipped to study ferns after the class. *We will take one field trip from the lodge to Ekalala Falls to find ferns growing on boulders and in the spray of the falls (uneven terrain). We’ll then field trip in the Park to pick up as many different fern and clubmoss species and habitats as possible.

Geology of Canaan Valley and its Surroundings
Instructor: Dr. James Van Gundy
This will be a driving tour to some of the significant geological sites in the Tucker-Grant-Pendleton County area. The geological events and processes that have contributed to the creation of each site will be explained and discussed. A detailed fieldtrip handout will be provided. Some previous knowledge of geology is useful but not required.

Learning the Ropes: An Introduction to Ropes & Knots
Instructor: Brian Potter
Ropes and knots have been widely used in a variety of outdoor applications throughout history. In fact, probably just about everyone has used a rope and a knot or two for some purpose or another. This session will expose participants to different types of rope and their uses. Participants will learn to tie some common knots, bends, and hitches, as well as some practical uses/applications for each. Practical applications demonstrated and practiced will include things like establishing a handline for walking assistance up or down a hillside, lashing a tripod for campsite uses, raising or lowering a piece of equipment with rope, tensioning a rope line as a clothesline, and securing an item like a kayak into a truck. *This session will take place outdoors at the pavilion, and will be largely hands-on as participants add a few new tools to their outdoor skills toolbox.

Let’s Draw & Paint the Brook Trout
Instructor: Sarah Ferguson
Get to know the West Virginia state Fish, the brook trout, better, through creative observation, Students will use photo references to create study sketches. Students will then choose their favorite sketch and will do a final drawing and add color with watercolor paints. Join West Virginia native artist/art instructor Sarah Ferguson for this creative, joyful, educational, hands- on experience.

Medicinal Plants
Instructor: Dr. Rebecca Linger
Discover the power of nature! Join Dr. Linger for a fascinating look into the medicinal properties of plants during a short, engaging lecture. Then, step into the wild on a guided nature walk to identify the hidden healing plants growing throughout Blackwater Falls State Park. Don’t miss this hands-on exploration of nature’s own pharmacy! *Easy, slow walk.

Meet Some WV Reptiles (Friday evening)
Instructor: Paulita Cousin & Kenny Noland
Join the Blackwater Falls naturalists for an exciting up-close encounter with some of West Virginia’s fascinating native reptiles! After the presentation, we’ll hit the trails near the nature center for a guided nature walk, exploring local habitats where these incredible creatures live. Don’t miss this adventure into the world of reptiles and their natural surroundings! *Meet at the Nature Center. Expect to walk up to 3 miles at a leisurely pace while spotting wildlife along the way.

The Mysterious World of Orchids
Instructor: Dr. Katharine Gregg
West Virginia is rich in biodiversity, with over 40 species of orchids. This class will describe what makes an orchid an orchid, along with some of the history that explains the mysteriousness of the orchid family. For most orchids, reproduction by seed depends on the presence of appropriate pollinators, which may not be abundant. Pollinators and pollination of many of West Virginia’s orchids will be illustrated. Life is a challenge, as we all know. Adaptive strategies of selected orchid species will be described. I’ll also be bringing some of my orchids, hopefully in flower, to give you a first-hand view of some of their distinctive characteristics.

Nature Journaling by Sensing the Natural World
Instructor: Linda Durrett
Mother Nature has stories to tell and you can learn to listen. Explore how to record what you observe in the natural world. Join Linda Durrett and practice using all your senses, creating a journal, taking notes and sketching what you experience at Blackwater Falls State Park. Using your body’s innate ability to gather information through smell, touch, sound, taste, and sight, we will discover how to navigate and capture those messages, turning them into words and drawings that will document your walk. *Short walks.

Nature Photography
Instructor: Alan Tucker
Ever wish you could take better photos consistently? For years, I was just an average picture taker—snapping vacation shots, sunsets, and flowers without really understanding what made an image stand out. I thought buying an expensive camera would make the difference—but it didn’t. Everything changed in 2012 when I took a professional photography workshop. Suddenly, the light bulbs went off, and I finally understood what it takes to capture something truly special.

In this workshop, I’ll take you on that journey, sharing the key techniques and thought processes behind creating compelling images. We’ll focus on what happens before you press the shutter—how to compose a shot, work with lighting, and make creative choices that transform an ordinary scene into an extraordinary one. Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or a smartphone, these principles apply to all photography. We’ll also touch on equipment and post-processing to enhance your final image. If time allows, we’ll step outside to explore different scenes and apply what we’ve discussed. Join me to start seeing the world through a photographer’s eye and take your photography to the next level! *Short walks on even terrain.

Night Sounds of the Appalachians (Friday evening)
Instructor: Kevin Dodge
Night Sounds of the Appalachians is an entertaining and educational introduction to the different hoots, toots, peents, and peeps heard after sunset in the Central Appalachians. Weaving together facts, stories, and sounds, Kevin will recreate a night in the mountains of West Virginia.

Plan for the Worst & Hope for the Best
Instructor: Brian Potter
Emergency situations can happen at any time, and at any location. Emergencies don’t discriminate based upon age, sex, race, financial status, or any other demographic. When these events occur, a successful outcome for the victim is largely contingent upon the degree of preparedness of those with the victim, and those that first respond to the situation. This session will look broadly at emergencies outdoors, and ways everyone can be a little more prepared. Topics covered will include pre-trip emergency planning, injury/emergency prevention strategies, tips in preparing an individual first aid kit for outings, first aid care of some common emergencies (including improvisation) and interaction/communication with emergency responders. *Come prepared with the gear you’d take on a typical outdoor day trip. This hands-on, interactive session will be held outdoors so please dress accordingly.

Save Our Streams Workshop
Instructor: Callie C. Sams 
Join us for a fun, educational class in and around the stream! During the Save Our Streams workshop, you will learn how to evaluate the water quality of wadeable rivers and streams by examining the stream habitat, conducting chemical analysis, and studying the biodiversity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Share your data in the online Volunteer Assessment Database and contribute to our knowledge of the health of our state’s watersheds. *Be sure to wear clothing appropriate for a day outdoors in and around the water, including muck boots or waders, bug spray, and fast-drying clothing. Please spend some time before the workshop looking over the study materials.

Sunrise Yoga (Saturday & Sunday mornings)
Instructor: Jamie Chambers
Greet the day and awaken your body and mind with a gentle morning yoga session. This class is designed to energize and prepare you for the day ahead. Breathe in the fresh morning air. Move through mindful stretches. Connect with the natural world as the sun rises.

This all-levels class offers a chance to move, breathe, and find balance. Set a positive tone for the day – whether you’re awakening your body for exploration, sharpening your mind for learning, seeking a peaceful start, or a combination of all the above. *Bring a yoga mat or blanket and wear comfortable, flexible clothing.

Upland Coniferous Forests & Woodlands
Instructor: Paulita Cousin & Kenny Noland
Join the Blackwater Falls naturalists to explore the upland coniferous forest and climatic associations of plants and animals. These forests once dominated the Allegheny Mountains but were decimated by logging and fire but once again expanding into parts of their previous range but still vulnerable. *Meet at the Nature Center. Wear sturdy shoes (no sandals), and consider bringing a hiking stick for added support. Be sure to carry water and a snack in a sealed bag. Expect to walk up to 3 miles on nearby trails with uneven terrain.

Wilderness Mosaic: Discovering the Treasures of Dolly Sods
Instructor: Alyssa Hanna
Step into a landscape that defies its West Virginia coordinates—the iconic Dolly Sods Wilderness Area presents a captivating tapestry of ecosystems typically found hundreds of miles north in Canada. This walk along the Allegheny Front will weave through a patchwork of acidic sphagnum bogs, fens, windswept heath barrens, alder swamps, red pine stands, and spruce-eastern hemlock forests that are home to many rare species of plants and animals.

Our journey will stop at several locations in the Sods: We will observe delicate bog ecosystems that are home to rare plant species, stand atop ancient rock outcroppings where wind-sculpted “flag trees” tell tales of persistent mountain weather, walk through heath barrens with tasty blueberries and huckleberries, and visit the well-known Allegheny Front Migration Observatory. While they will not be banding birds during our visit, we will discuss this vital research station and the winged travelers that navigate this unique corridor.

*This hike should be considered moderate exertion level. We will hike two or three miles, and while the elevation change will be mild to moderate, there will be areas that are very rocky with uneven ground. Sturdy ankle-supporting hiking boots are essential (in addition to rocks, trails are often wet/muddy), and trekking poles are recommended for stability on rock barrens. Come prepared for windy weather with a jacket and consider bringing knee-high wading boots for possible bog exploration. Due to limited parking and the rough gravel access road, we will carpool, ideally in higher-clearance vehicles.

WV Mammals: Pelts, Skulls, Tracks, & Scat
Instructor: Kacey Shiflett
Join Kacey Shiflett, WVDNR Wildlife Education Technician, to learn about WV Mammals. WV is home to over 70 different mammal species. In this class you’ll get a chance to see examples of pelts, skulls, tracks, and scat for some of our state’s mammals. Do you know which WV mammals are native, non-native, naturalized, or extirpated? Or which WV mammal is a marsupial? Or the difference between horns and antlers? How about which mammals are herbivorous, carnivorous, or omnivorous? Come learn fun facts about our state’s mammals.

WV Natural Areas Program
Instructor: Krista Noe & Doug Wood
The West Virginia Natural Area program is fairly new to our state and is important for protecting rare organisms and biodiverse places throughout the state. If you have visited Natural Areas in other states, you may be wondering: how is this different from the program in WV? Well, you will find out! You will also learn what it takes to be a Natural Area in the state, the value of such places, and what we are doing with this program to protect them. Conveniently, the conference is held at Blackwater Falls State Park this year, where there are three officially designated Natural Areas! Come join us to talk about our state Natural Area program and the unique features we protect throughout the state and here at Blackwater! *Please dress to be on long walks on trails with uneven terrain.