All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

West Virginia State Parks Foundation receives grant from Benedum Foundation

The West Virginia State Parks Foundation received a $50,000 Benedum Foundation grant to boost organizational capacity and raise awareness of the value of WV state parks, forests and rail trails.
A hiking trail at Audra State Park looks down over the Middle Fork River.
A hiking trail at Audra State Park looks down over the Middle Fork River.

The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to build organizational capacity and awareness of the importance of West Virginia State Parks.

“This grant award enables a huge step forward in the evolution of our organization,” said Foundation Executive Director Brad Reed. “The funding will allow us to significantly build our capacity through public awareness, credibility and advocacy for our outstanding state park system.”

Reed continued, “Everything we do is for the benefit of WV state parks, forests and rail trails. We partner with local foundations serving individual park system areas to raise funding for important projects and maintenance, host special events, provide volunteer help where we can and tell the story of the importance and value of these most treasured places.”

“The Benedum Foundation is proud to support the efforts of the West Virginia State Parks Foundation,” said Benedum’s Senior Program Officer Bill Woodrum. “The WV State Parks, Forests and Rail Trails are a unique resource for our state and have shown massive increased use in the past several years. They highlight the best natural resources in the nation and are fundamental components of our engagement with these natural wonders. These funds will help both large and small parks build capacity and provide increased services to our communities.”

“We can’t thank the Benedum Foundation enough for this generous award,” said Reed.

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