Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. (NIV)

We West Virginians have many opportunities to enjoy the “work of His hands” in the areas where we live. Our state and national parks, lakes, forests, wildlife management areas, and camping areas are available for recreation, hiking, and nature observation. And, of course, our own Bluestone Camp and
Conference Center provides outdoor adventures as well. Here are some events that families or church groups may wish to experience this spring.

STATE PARKS AND KANAWHA STATE FOREST
Blackwater Falls State Park – Wildflower Pilgrimage, May 10-13
Kanawha State Forest – Wildflower hikes, April 14
Prickett’s Fork State Park – Guided Bird Walks, April 21 and 28
First Sunday Hikes starting in April at Babcock, Bluestone, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park and
Pipestem state parks. Contact Active Southern West Virginia at 304-254-8488.

NEW RIVER GORGE
Wildflower Weekend, April 27-29. Featuring hikes at Babcock, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield, Hawks Nest, Pipestem and Twin Falls state parks. Call 304-466-0417 or 304-465-0508.

MORGANTOWN
WVU Core Arboretum – Spring wildflower walks, 2 p.m. April 15 and 22; Spring bird walks, 7:30 p.m. April 17 and 24, May 1, 8 and 15
West Virginia Botanical Garden – Boundary walk, 1 p.m. April 15; Earth Day walk, 10 a.m. April 21; Young birders walks, 10 a.m. April 28 and May 28; Wetland/amphibian walk, 2 p.m. April 29; Friday family walk, 10 a.m. May 4; Spring bird walk, 7:30 a.m. May 5; Reconnect with Nature for Youth and Parents, 2 p.m. May 27. For other, non-free activities, click here.

LOCAL PARKS AND RECREATION
Check out your local parks. You can either explore on your own, or there may be sponsored events. For instance, Huntington’s Park Board sponsors a hiking group that schedules monthly events throughout the year, plus the Huntington Museum of Art provides docents for walks on the trails, and the trails are always available for walkers.

WEST VIRGINIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY
East Lynn Lake/Lick Creek Area exploration – May 5. Contact Romie Hughart at romie5006@yahoo.com.
Putnam and Mason Counties special areas hike – June 30 and July 1. Contact Kevin Campbell at
kevin.campbell@wv.gov.

WEST VIRGINIA SIERRA CLUB
Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve hike – 1 p.m. April 21 in Nutter Fork, Doddridge County.
Contact event organizer Autumn Long at autumnlong11@gmail.com or 304-796-4677.