BUCKHANNON — Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) invites anyone interested in conservation, history, cultural heritage, tourism or community development to network with peers and meet new partners in the region at their annual Stakeholder Meeting that will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, at the Colonial Arts Center (48 E. Main Street) in Buckhannon.

“Many people are unaware that West Virginia is included in four National Heritage Areas,” explained Logan Smith, AFNHA Executive Director. “We host a public meeting in a different location each year to raise awareness about our organization and how we can benefit organizations in our region. We also want to create an opportunity to amplify what organizations in the local area are doing.”

The agenda includes presentations by AFNHA staff detailing how organizations can participate in programs such as their Appalachian Forest Grants Program and AmeriCorps, and themed breakout discussions focused on heritage, community development, tourism, and conservation. Attendees will also get to learn about various organizations active in Upshur County including Create Buckhannon, Upshur County Trails, Buckhannon River Watershed Association, and West Virginia Division of Forestry. The meeting will conclude with a tour of the Upshur County History Center.

Visit www.appalachianforestnha.org for registration, full agenda, or more information.