Come Celebrate National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort June 01, 2013

Join your friends and neighbors, get a little exercise and help celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort on Saturday June 01, 2013.

According to Mike Hager, General Manager of Stonewall Resort, “we are proud to host this great event for the first time and invite guests to walk, run or bike at leisure in this non-competitive event which will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude around 1:00 PM.”

Hager said there will be a $20 registration fee which will include a dry-fit event t-shirt and a donation to the Stonewall State Park Foundation for future trail maintenance.

The hike will take place on Rush Run, the 6-mile stretch beginning at the Stonewall Jackson Dam and leading onto the scenic property near the lakeside cottages. Lead by park superintendent, Sam England, nature guides will be present the day of the event to highlight interesting features along the way. Participants are welcome to bring their dogs on a leash.

“Our trail route requires appropriate hiking footwear and participants should bring any beverages or snacks they need along the way,” Hager said. He added, “We will have a vehicle which will follow the course of the trail and can hold extra water or personal belongings.”

While participants can register as late as 8:30 AM on the day of the event, those wishing to insure a correct T-shirt size should sign up by May 15, 2013. All registered participants should meet at the parking lot at the end of the cottages no later than 9:00 AM. The shuttle will then take registered participants to the starting point. If you have any questions, please call Samantha Norris at 304.269.8820 or email .

Hager noted that the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day brings together outdoor enthusiasts from across the country on June 01, for the celebration of America’s magnificent trail system and the countless supporters and volunteers who donate their valuable time to maintain these trail systems. Over 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

The Four Diamond-rated Stonewall Resort is a 208-guestroom property with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. The resort is located at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Weston, West Virginia.  Stonewall Resort is a joint private/public development between MHLP, Inc. and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.  Benchmark Hospitality International operates Stonewall Resort.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels®.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

West Virginia Conservation Camp Ready for 72nd Season

The award-winning West Virginia State Conservation Camp is accepting registrations for the 2013 camp, scheduled June 10-15, 2013 at Camp Caesar near Cowen in Webster County.

Young people, ages 14-18, are eligible to register.

The camp, sponsored by a number of state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection, focuses on West Virginia’s natural resources and how to be responsible stewards of the environment.

Named one of “55 Good Things About West Virginia” by The State Journal, the State Conservation Camp has had more than 16,000 young people attend since it first began in 1941. According to camp Director Mike Hall, the Conservation Camp is believed to be the oldest camp of its kind in the United States. This year will mark 72 years of conservation education.

Participants spend the mornings learning about West Virginia’s natural resources in a block-schedule format that provides a total of 12 hours of instruction by the week’s end. Subject areas include: forestry, soil conservation, water resources, fish management, game and non-game wildlife management, natural resource and environmental law enforcement, parks and recreation, and youth environmental initiatives.

Afternoons provide a wide variety of opportunities to further experience the outdoors. Beginning with an afternoon assembly, participants observe the staff in action as they conduct a mock forest fire suppression and investigation; a trout stocking event; a turkey trapping exhibition; and a firearms safety demonstration. Afterward, campers have their choice of a wide variety of afternoon activities. Choices include: trap shooting, archery, boating, outdoor cooking, rifle marksmanship, rappelling, and fishing. Special awards to campers will be presented during the closing ceremony on Friday night.

This year, the camp registration fee is $185. However, nearly all first-time attendees receive a scholarship. Previous campers are also welcome to attend if age requirements are met.

For more information and to register for the camp, contact Ben Spong, camp chairman, West Virginia University Extension Service, P.O. Box 6125 Morgantown, WV 26506 304.293.9425, ; or Alan Miller, secretary/treasurer, 4290 Greenawalt Gap Road Upper Tract, WV 26866 304.358.3298 or visit wvconservationcamp.com

Come Celebrate National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort June 01, 2013

Join your friends and neighbors, get a little exercise and help celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort on Saturday June 01, 2013.

According to Mike Hager, General Manager of Stonewall Resort, “we are proud to host this great event for the first time and invite guests to walk, run or bike at leisure in this non-competitive event which will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude around 1:00 PM.”

Hager said there will be a $20 registration fee which will include a dry-fit event t-shirt and a donation to the Stonewall State Park Foundation for future trail maintenance.

The hike will take place on Rush Run, the 6-mile stretch beginning at the Stonewall Jackson Dam and leading onto the scenic property near the lakeside cottages. Lead by park superintendent, Sam England, nature guides will be present the day of the event to highlight interesting features along the way. Participants are welcome to bring their dogs on a leash.

“Our trail route requires appropriate hiking footwear and participants should bring any beverages or snacks they need along the way,” Hager said. He added, “We will have a vehicle which will follow the course of the trail and can hold extra water or personal belongings.”

While participants can register as late as 8:30 AM on the day of the event, those wishing to insure a correct T-shirt size should sign up by May 15, 2013. All registered participants should meet at the parking lot at the end of the cottages no later than 9:00 AM. The shuttle will then take registered participants to the starting point. If you have any questions, please call Samantha Norris at 304.269.8820 or email .

Hager noted that the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day brings together outdoor enthusiasts from across the country on June 01, for the celebration of America’s magnificent trail system and the countless supporters and volunteers who donate their valuable time to maintain these trail systems. Over 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

The Four Diamond-rated Stonewall Resort is a 208-guestroom property with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. The resort is located at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Weston, West Virginia.  Stonewall Resort is a joint private/public development between MHLP, Inc. and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.  Benchmark Hospitality International operates Stonewall Resort.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels®.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

National Safe Boating Week Promotion Aims to Increase Safety Certifications

National Safe Boating Week, which begins Saturday, May 18, 2013 provides a not-to-be-missed opportunity for boaters to get their boating safety certification, said leading online educator BOATERexam.com. To encourage boaters to sign up before summer boating season, BOATERexam.com is lowering the cost of its online boating safety course by 33% during National Safe Boating Week, which runs until May 24, 2013.

“Recent statistics confirm that education significantly lowers the risk of a serious boating accident or fatality,” said Kerry Moher, vice president of BOATERexam.com and a member of the NASBLA Education Standards Panel. “To get more boaters to complete a safety course before summer, we’re lowering the cost of our online course for National Safe Boating Week.”

Students who register at BOATERexam.com between May 17-25 and complete their course by the end of May will receive 33% off their online boating safety certification. BOATERexam.com is encouraging state agencies, marinas, and other boating organizations to spread the word about the campaign.

Come Celebrate National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort June 01, 2013

Join your friends and neighbors, get a little exercise and help celebrate the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day at Stonewall Resort on Saturday June 01, 2013.

According to Mike Hager, General Manager of Stonewall Resort, “we are proud to host this great event for the first time and invite guests to walk, run or bike at leisure in this non-competitive event which will begin at 9:00 AM and conclude around 1:00 PM.”

Hager said there will be a $20 registration fee which will include a dry-fit event t-shirt and a donation to the Stonewall State Park Foundation for future trail maintenance.

The hike will take place on Rush Run, the 6-mile stretch beginning at the Stonewall Jackson Dam and leading onto the scenic property near the lakeside cottages. Lead by park superintendent, Sam England, nature guides will be present the day of the event to highlight interesting features along the way. Participants are welcome to bring their dogs on a leash.

“Our trail route requires appropriate hiking footwear and participants should bring any beverages or snacks they need along the way,” Hager said. He added, “We will have a vehicle which will follow the course of the trail and can hold extra water or personal belongings.”

While participants can register as late as 8:30 AM on the day of the event, those wishing to insure a correct T-shirt size should sign up by May 15, 2013. All registered participants should meet at the parking lot at the end of the cottages no later than 9:00 AM. The shuttle will then take registered participants to the starting point. If you have any questions, please call Samantha Norris at 304.269.8820 or email .

Hager noted that the American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day brings together outdoor enthusiasts from across the country on June 01, for the celebration of America’s magnificent trail system and the countless supporters and volunteers who donate their valuable time to maintain these trail systems. Over 2,000 nationwide events will take place including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations and more!

The Four Diamond-rated Stonewall Resort is a 208-guestroom property with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. The resort is located at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park near Weston, West Virginia.  Stonewall Resort is a joint private/public development between MHLP, Inc. and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.  Benchmark Hospitality International operates Stonewall Resort.

Benchmark Hospitality International is a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels, and Personal Luxury Hotels®.  The independent company, launched in 1980, is a founding member of the International Association of Conference Centers.  Benchmark Hospitality is a worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations.  Benchmark’s international headquarters is located in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston.  The company’s northeast regional office is in New Jersey, with international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Santiago, Chile. For the location of Benchmark’s properties and additional information, visit www.benchmarkhospitality.com.

Time to Enroll in WV’s State Conservation Camp

It is time for teenagers to register for this summer’s West Virginia State Conservation Camp.

The weeklong event combines outdoor recreation with education about environmental issues and conservation practices.

It is set for June 10-15, 2013 at Camp Caesar in Webster County and is for teens ages 14 to 19.

Those who sign up by June 01, 2013 will get priority.

The camp costs $185, but scholarships covering all or part of that fee are available for those who qualify. They’re sponsored by garden clubs, conservation districts, hunting or fishing clubs, and other groups.

Campers will learn about fish and wildlife management, forest protection, forest products, law enforcement and more.

In the afternoons, they can enjoy activities including trap shooting, archery, rowing, outdoor cooking, fishing, rifle marksmanship and rappelling.

State Junior Conservation Camp Set for June 17-21, 2013

Applications are being accepted for the 33rd annual state Junior Conservation Camp, scheduled June 17-21, 2013 at Cedar Lakes in Ripley.

Sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Youth Environmental Program, the camp is open to youth, ages 11-14.

The cost is $165 per child and the deadline for paying the application fee is May 01, 2013.

Junior Conservation Camp offers a wide variety of classes that focus on a sound environmental education and other topics, such as first aid and hunter safety. Approximately 200 campers will learn how to conserve West Virginia’s natural resources by attending classes on subjects such as wildlife, recycling, geocaching/orienteering, water study, forestry, fishing and more. Sports activities will include swimming, basketball, kickball, volleyball, Wiffle Ball and relay races.

Camp assemblies will take place Monday evening and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Campfire programs are scheduled Monday through Wednesday nights with a dance set for Thursday night.

Each year, the assemblies feature presenters from organizations around the state who provide demonstrations for the campers. Past presenters have included the Oglebay Good Zoo; the state Division of Natural Resources’ (snake presentation and mechanical deer and turkey demonstrations); DEP Division of Air Quality (energy efficiency demonstration); DEP Dive Team; and the state Division of Forestry (fire dog demonstration).

Camp counselors and leaders will include dedicated and knowledgeable employees from the DEP, DNR, Division of Forestry and the West Virginia University Extension Service.

For more information and application forms, please contact Diana Haid at 304.926.0499x1114 or email “diana.k.haid@wv.gov”.

For youth ages 14-18, the state Conservation Camp at Camp Caesar in Webster County is scheduled for June 10-15, 2013. The camp is sponsored by the West Virginia Conservation Agency.

For more information, go to www.wvconservationcamp.com.

Charleston: Pro Bass Fishing Legend, TV Star Jimmy Houston at Sports Show

If you want to know about the outdoors and only have an afternoon, head down to the Charleston Civic Center on Friday, they have got the 44th Annual West Virginia Sports Show running Friday through Sunday, and from 3:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, they have got Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Famer, Jimmy Houston.

Houston is one of America’s favorite fishermen, and has been on national television for over 30 years.

His show, “Jimmy Houston Outdoors,” consistently ranked as the #1 outdoors show on ESPN for 20 years.

A legendary angler, Houston, who makes more than 120 appearances a year, was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.

Come see Jimmy in person at The Great Outdoors Marine’s show display, in the coliseum area of the Civic Center, where he will be promoting the Nitro and Tracker fishing boats powered by Mercury outboard motors.

The show runs 2:00 to 10:00 PM Friday and then 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Saturday and Noon to 5:00 PM Sunday.

The show is one of the area’s largest indoor displays of new RVs, fifth wheels, Class A,B & C motorhomes, trailers, toy haulers, and pop-ups, along with recreational vehicles, personal water crafts, and ATVs. In addition, over 30 exhibitors will feature products and services associated with outdoor sports, RV and boating.

Children may enjoy rockwall climbing, mining for precious stones, along with face painting and balloon art by RC the Clown.

Ticket prices are $6:00, $5:00 for seniors and $1:00 for children ages 6-12. Children under 6 are admitted free.

Gilmer County 4-H Overnight Clover Camp - 07.20.12 to 07.21.12

Gilmer County 4-H Overnight Clover Bud Camp – July 20-21, 2012 Registration Deadline Monday

Gilmer County 4-H Overnight Clover Bud Camp – July 20-21, 2012 Friday and Saturday

Gilmer County 4-H Overnight Clover Bud Camp – July 20-21, 2012

State’s Junior Conservation Camp Set for June 18-22, 2012

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Youth Environmental Program is hosting the 32nd annual West Virginia Junior Conservation Camp for young people, ages 11-14, from June 18-22, 2012 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley.

Junior Conservation Camp offers a wide variety of classes that focus on sound environmental education.

Approximately 200 campers will learn how to conserve West Virginia’s natural resources and attend classes on subjects such as wildlife, archery, recycling, soil conservation, geocaching/orienteering, hunter safety, water study, forestry, fishing and more. Sports activities also are included.

Camp assemblies are scheduled throughout the week and feature guest speakers.

Many dedicated and knowledgeable employees from the DEP, the Division of Natural Resources and the Division of Forestry will serve as camp counselors and leaders.

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012 - Deadline to Register 05.25.12

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012 - Register by 05.25.12

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012 - Register by May 25, 2012

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012 - Register by 05.25.12

Gilmer County 4-H Camp: Just Dance 2012

Is Conservation Camp Right for You?

Little Tracks 4-H Cloverbud Overnight Camp - Tuesday, Wednesday August 9-10, 2011

Gilmer County: State Special Olympics Summer Sports Camp - August 01-03, 2011

West Virginia State Special Olympics Summer Sports Camp will be held at the Gilmer County Recreation Center Monday, August 01, 2011 through Wednesday, August 03, 2011 under the direction of John Corbett, CEO of West Virginia Special Olympics and Dave Bromiley, State Sports and Training Director.

Campers will come from about ten WV counties and will enjoy swimming, putt-putt golf, paddle boating, fishing, field games, crafts, and other camp activities.

Tuesday evening they will enjoy a picnic and a dance.

Other special events are also planned.

Little Tracks 4-H Cloverbud Overnight Camp - August 9-10, 2011

Burnsville Lake Campground Upgrades Complete

Fifty-four campsites at Burnsville Lake’s Riffle Run Campground now have water and sewer hookups.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says the campground has reopened following completion of the improvements, which also include upgraded electric pedestals and new playground equipment.

The Riffle Run Left Fork Campground’s six primitive sites weren’t upgraded.

Gilmer County 4-H Camp 2011 Starting Next Week

Gilmer County 4-H Camp - June 2011

Gilmer County Senior Camp - Resort Week - June 2011

Gilmer County 4-H Camp 2011

Gilmer County Senior Camp - June 2011

4-H Camps 2011: Your Help Is Needed

WE NEED:
•  Full-sized tubes of toothpaste
•  Toothbrushes

•  Full-sized bottles of shampoo

•  New washcloths
•  New towels
•  Bars of soap or bottles of shower gel
•  Combs

•  Deodorant/antiperspirant
•  Feminine hygiene products

•  Plastic travel holders for toothbrushes and soap

•  Fleece blankets
•  New pillow with pillowcase
•  New twin or full size flat sheets (Fitted sheets may or may not work on camp beds. Flat sheets can be used for both top and bottom sheets.)

•  New or gently-used totes, cloth bags, or backpacks to put the items in

Other ‘non-essentials’

•  Sunblock
•  Bug spray

•  Flip flops in various sizes (for bathroom and pool)

•  Flashlight

Why full-sized items?
Even though camp is only one week long, these children have a need for these items outside of camp. Often the travel size bottles can be just as pricey as a full-sized option in a generic brand.

Ritchie County: Hike at North Bend State Park

The 10-mile Hike at North Bend State Park challenges outdoor wanderers to enjoy the natural beauty found along North Bend’s Trail on Saturday, October 09, 2010.

There is no charge to participate.

Hikers should arrive by 8:00 AM at Shelter 3 and are encouraged to bring lunch and water for this event.

The shuttle to the hike starting point departs at 8:15 AM.

The hike leader is Ken Zebo.

For more information call 304.643.2931.

Reminder: Audra State Park Is Alcohol-Free‏

Audra State Park, located off Rt. 119 in Buckhannon, is a popular campground and recreational area for local and regional residents, as well as out-of-state tourists.

According to Park Superintendent Jon Teets, a main priority for Audra staff is keeping Audra family-friendly. “Audra State Park offers families a low-cost vacation option, and is a perfect place for people to come and enjoy being outdoors,“ Teets said. “For some people, an important factor in deciding to camp at Audra or visit for the day is our no alcohol policy.“

Alcoholic beverages, including beer, are not allowed on the park property at any time. “Providing an alcohol-free atmosphere is a promise we make to our visitors, and we enforce it,“ Teets said. “Park staff may ask to look at the contents of coolers that are brought onto the property at any time.“

He explained that maintaining an alcohol-free park is in the best interests of everyone. “Audra offers many outdoor activities: hiking, swimming, camping, and much more. Alcohol simply doesn’t mix with these activities, and can create an unsafe atmosphere,“ Teets said. “Our goal is to ensure that all of our visitors to have an enjoyable, safe stay.“

For more information about Audra State Park visit www.audrastatepark.com or call Teets at 304.457.1162.

WV Park Debuts 60 mph Zip Lines

A West Virginia outdoors park has opened a pair of parallel, half-mile-long zip lines that can propel people up to 60 miles per hour.

Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park in Raleigh County debuted the Burning Rock Express this weekend.

The ride carries cable-mounted riders from a platform on top of Tams Mountain down to a landing zone about 140 feet below.

The zip line is equipped with an automatic braking system, which guides can augment with hand-held brake levers in instances of unusually fast landing approaches.

DNR Enforcement of Boating Under the Influence Laws To Be Stepped Up June 25-27‏

Recreational boaters may want to think twice before reaching for that cold beer, especially the weekend of June 25-27, 2010.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) natural resources police officers, as part of a national coordinated effort of stepped-up enforcement known as Operation Dry Water, will be out in force looking for boat operators whose blood alcohol content exceeds the state limit of .08%.

Operation Dry Water will include increased patrols, breathalyzer tests, and checkpoints as well as boater education.

DNR Law Enforcement is the primary West Virginia agency charged by state law to enforce the state’s boating laws.

All major rivers and lakes have patrol boats permanently assigned to them.

“We want people to be safe and have fun while recreational boating,“ said Lt. Tim Coleman, DNR’s State Boating Safety Program coordinator. “Alcohol use has become the leading contributing factor in fatal recreational boating accidents. We recommend that boaters avoid drinking alcoholic beverages at all times, and we will have zero tolerance for anyone found operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs on our waters.“

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time.

It can increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. Sun, wind, noise, vibration, and motion – “stressors” common to the boating environment – intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some prescription medications.

U.S. Coast Guard statistics reveal that 17% of the nation’s boating-related deaths in 2008 resulted from boaters impaired by alcohol or drugs. Impaired boaters caught this weekend can expect penalties to be severe. In West Virginia they include fines and jail time.

“There will be arrests this weekend, and some boaters will face the consequences of boating under the influence,“ added Lt. Coleman “But we’d much rather arrest someone than to have to tell their friends and family they’re never coming back.“

Operation Dry Water is a joint program of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), the U.S. Coast Guard, and several local law enforcement agencies.

More information is available at www.operationdrywater.org.

GSC High Adventure Program Releases Schedule

The Glenville State College High Adventure Program Director has announced the schedule of activities for the Fall 2010 semester.

Outings have been planned that offer students, faculty, and staff opportunities to enjoy rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, skiing, and much more.

“We will be visiting some of the best and most amazing places on the East Coast this coming semester. If you are interested in outdoor adventures, or just looking to meet new people, come out and join the GSC High Adventure Program,” said GSC High Adventure Program Director Dave Bernier.

The upcoming GSC High Adventure schedule includes ten exciting trips:
•  New River Rafting on August 29th
•  Overnight Backpacking from September 4th through 5th
•  Gauley River Rafting on September 18th
•  Whitewater Kayaking on September 25th
•  Horseback Riding on September 26th
•  Mountain Biking on October 22nd
•  Rock Climbing on October 23rd
•  Canoeing on November 7th
•  A Cave Trip on November 13th
•  Snowshoe Ski Trip on December 11th

High Adventure outings are open to all GSC students, faculty and staff. All activities are geared toward beginners, so no experience is necessary.

All trips include trip fees which cover lessons, transportation, park fees, permits, rental fees, and guiding services when required.

High Adventure Program Staff provide the equipment needed for the activities or rents necessary gear for the trip.

All excursion information is subject to change. To sign up for a trip or for more information, contact Bernier at “David.Bernier@glenville.edu” or 304.462.6440.