Work parties, guided hikes and pet-friendly events planned at W.Va. State Parks this Saturday

News Release
April 26, 2019

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — From Walk Among the Wildflowers to B.A.R.K. at the Park, a variety of specialty activities are scheduled at many West Virginia State Parks this spring. Here’s what’s planned for Saturday, April 27:

Trails & Field Community Work Day – Beech Fork State Park, Wayne County
Organized by Beech Fork State Park Foundation, the event begins at 10 a.m. Volunteers will spend the day giving back to nature for all the beauty and bounty it provides. This event includes work efforts on trail maintenance and wildflower planting in the pollinator fields. The activity is open to individuals and groups. Attendees should dress appropriately for the weather and type of work. Some tools will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring tools if possible.

Hiking, biking and water trail work will consist of clearing fallen trees, re-marking trails and litter pickup. Those working on the water trail will need to provide their own kayak or canoe. A shuttle back to the launch site will be arranged. Pollinator field work will consist of clearing fields and planting wildflowers. Sign-up is open for the Trails & Field Community Work Day. Volunteers and groups may sign up here.More information available at www.bfspf.org.

Pick Up in the Park – Chief Logan State Park, Logan County
Volunteers meet at 1 p.m. at the Museum-in-the-Park Headquarters located at 860 Wolfpen Hollow Rd, Logan, WV 25601. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and work gloves.

Make It Shine Cleanup – Cabwaylingo State Forest, Wayne County
The event begins at 10 a.m. at Crum Morgan Shelter. This stream cleanup is held in cooperation with the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection. Attendees are encouraged to wear boots and work gloves. To participate in Cabwaylingo State Forest’s event, please call the forest office at 304-385-4255.

Falls Paws – Blackwater Falls State Park, Tucker County
Beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Trading Post, this B.A.R.K. in the Park event includes a pet-friendly 3-K Walk/Waddle/Wag with your canine. Prizes will be awarded for Best Dressed Owner/Dog Lookalike and Overall Best in B.A.R.K. There will be other tail-wagging surprises. Naturalist Paulita Cousin coordinates this activity.

Earth Day Celebration – Cacapon Resort State Park, Morgan County
Activities will take place at the picnic area/gazebo outside the Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Valerie Chaney is the park naturalist and park activities coordinator.

• Piney Ridge Hike (9 a.m.) — Meet at the Cacapon Nature Center for a guided 1.5-mile hike.
• Pictures with Smokey Bear (11:30 a.m.) – Take a selfie with the fire prevention bear.
• Entertainment (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) – Meet at the gazebo for live music, lawn games and food vendors. Local community and state environmental conservation representatives and exhibits include the West Virginia Division of Forestry; West Virginia Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Pest Survey Program Specialist; Morgan County Extension, West Virginia Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners; Sleepy Creek Watershed; Wind Dance Farm and Earth Education Center; and Wild Ones.
• Cacapon Earth Day Hike-A-Thon (2 p.m.) – Hikers of all ages are invited for a fun afternoon of hiking conducted by the Wind Dance and Earth Education Center. Registration and hiking start at Batt Picnic Shelter (2 miles past the Nature Center). Entry forms and sponsor sheets available at www.winddancefarm.org.

Spring Stroll – Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Tucker County
Meet Master Naturalist Frank Slider in the lodge lobby at 2 p.m. for a guided hike.

Walk Among the Wildflowers – Chief Logan State Park, Logan County
Meet at 10 a.m. at the Museum in the Park for a leisurely stroll. Blooms anticipated include blue-eyed Mary, wild geranium, fire pink, multiple violets, wild columbine, wood mint and pawpaw blossoms. Naturalist Lauren Cole is the walk leader.

Bird Walk – Prickett’s Fort State Park, Marion County
Meet at 8 a.m. at 88 State Park Road, Fairmont, WV 26554. The staff of the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources will lead the public on this annual Bird Walk. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring binoculars if you have them.

These activities are free to attend. Participation in activities are open to day visitors and overnight guests. To find other activities and events throughout the year at West Virginia State Parks and Forests or to book lodging, visit www.wvstateparks.com.