Updates from WV Rivers Coalition – July 2023
If you love our wild and wonderful Monongahela National Forest, please join us at the Depot in Elkins Town Square for “Conversations on Headwaters” on August 1 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM.
Our pristine headwaters in the Mon Forest are a crucial part of our ecosystem and deserve the utmost protection. That’s why we’re bringing together a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for preserving the natural beauty of our Appalachian headwaters.
Expect an evening filled with meaningful discussions, captivating music, and, of course, delicious food and beverages. We are excited to have a dedicated team, including Mike and Autumn, who will be present to share their insights and experiences with all attendees.
Your presence and support at “Conversations on Headwaters” will be invaluable as we work together to protect our natural resources for generations to come.
This is a free event with music and light refreshments. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and get more information about the Mon Forest headwaters.
Learn more at our website or by clicking the button below.
MVP Update
Last week, the Supreme Court cleared the way for Mountain Valley Pipeline to begin construction on the more than 500 rivers and streams in its path.
As West Virginians, we have a strong cultural attachment to the land and the waters that flow through these mountains. Whether you were born in West Virginia, raised here, or got here as soon as you could — it’s a connection all of us can speak to.
If you are feeling the emotional toll and environmental grief we invite you to attend our upcoming Community Care Sessions and the Greenbrier River Celebration.
Community Care Sessions
In these two 2-hour virtual sessions, Lydia from the School of the Great Turning will offer practices from her 15 years of experience supporting frontline communities in protecting their most beloved landscapes. Using the foundation of the “Work That Reconnects,” participants will gain resources and skills for metabolizing the personal, political, and community impacts of environmental harms and deepen their connection with each other. Please let us know if you plan to attend or if you have any questions. We are here to support each other.
Greenbrier River Celebration
Join together on the banks of the Greenbrier River for a land acknowledgement, interfaith water blessing, and candlelight vigil. Before the event, there is a chance to float the river. After we have rooted in gratitude and honored our grief, we will reconnect to the river by dropping native wildflowers into the flowing waters. Then, we will gather at the Graham House for a community potluck and participate in a mud art project to express our commitment to protecting the waters of life. This is a family-friendly event with kids activities. (Including a bounce house!)
From passage of PFAS Protection Act, to additional funding for state oil and gas inspectors, and a ban on any further expansion of motorized off-road trails in state parks and forests, we have proven that our advocacy works. If you missed our Legislative Update & Advocacy that Works webinar on July 26th, you can catch up with the recording linked here.
Once you’ve watched the training, please take our survey and let us know how you can become more involved with our efforts to advocate for clean, healthy water for all.
Join the Safe Water Harpers Ferry & Elks Run Watershed Group at our upcoming event, Barrels & BBQ! Come learn how rain barrels work, paint your barrel on site, and take one home to collect rain water for your garden.
Drinks and food will be available for purchase at the event. We will also be raffling a professionally painted barrel. This is a family-friendly event, with opportunities for little ones to help beautify the barrels. We ask that each household only sign up for 1 barrel so that we can disperse them as far and wide as possible.
Let’s work together to make a positive impact on our community and the environment. We hope you will come be a part of this exciting initiative dedicated to water conservation!
Barrels & BBQ Saturday, September 10 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM The Barn in Harpers Ferry (1062 W Washington St, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425)
More Upcoming Events
Members of our team will be at the following events this summer. We hope you can join us!
Buckhannon RiverfestAugust 26th, from 8:30 AM to 3 PM | Elizabeth J. “Binky” Poundstone Riverwalk Park
Freshwater Folk FestivalSeptember 9th, from 10 AM to 5 PM | White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery
Is there an event in your community that you would like to see WV Rivers at? Send us an email at wvrivers@wvrivers.org and let us know!
WTAP: “Regional advocates encourage federal funding for Ohio River restoration”
DEP Environment Matters: “The Good River – A Celebration of 75 Years of ORSANCO”
Public News Service: “WV Among Top States for Public Health Harms from Fossil Fuels”
This month, WV Rivers board and staff gathered on the banks of the Black Fork of the Cheat River for our summer retreat. We learned about mushrooms from the WV Mushroom Club, snorkeled in the river at Horseshoe Run Recreation Area and Campground with Friends of the Cheat, practiced yoga with Chrissy Beecher with ALIGN yoga, and played in the river all afternoon long. Thanks to Dave Ruediger for preparing fantastic food and drink, and thank you to Roxanne Tuesing for her hospitality. Our team left feeling restored and energized for the work ahead of us.
P.S. On behalf of WV Rivers board and staff, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for your unwavering dedication to protecting our water resources. Individual donations — whether $1,000 or $1 — give our coalition the power to respond immediately when and where our waters are threatened. Will you consider a contribution of $5, $25, $50, or any amount today?
