Guardians board members and supporters gathered last week for a potluck dinner to celebrate the retirement of Mike Murphy from the board of directors. Mike has been an integral member of the Guardians for nearly 20 years! From collecting water samples to mowing and maintaining river access points, Mike has dedicated countless hours to restoreContinue reading “Thank you Mike!”
Author Archives: jbryzek10
Stream Clean Up Canceled
Unfortunately, we have decided to cancel the stream clean up scheduled for this Saturday August 19th. The river is running high and murky due to recent rains. It is difficult and unsafe to remove trash when the river is not clear. Thank you for supporting the West Fork!
Stream Clean Up Saturday
Are you looking for an opportunity to get involved with your local river? Or perhaps you’ve floated the West Fork before and noticed tires and other debris? Join us for a stream clean up this Saturday August 19th starting at 10AM at Good Hope Public Access Site (39.176407, -80.437942). We will float and pick upContinue reading “Stream Clean Up Saturday”
Volunteer Call Out!
Join us for a stream clean up on a 6 mile segment from Good Hope to West Milford! Picking up trash along the river not only improves the physical appearance of the stream but helps restore the natural integrity. The aquatic critters thank you for helping clean up their home! We will meet at 10Continue reading “Volunteer Call Out!”
Plant Spotlight: Buttonbush
Have you noticed any round, white flowers blooming along the West Fork? In mid to late summer, buttonbush blooms distinct creamy white ball-shaped flowers. Even into late fall and winter, these seed balls can still be easily recognized. Buttonbush is a common shrub found in wet areas near streams and in wetlands. Numerous types ofContinue reading “Plant Spotlight: Buttonbush”
Working to Improve Water Quality
Water is our most precious resource. Water sustains all live on Earth, and we can’t live without clean water. The Guardians of the West Fork, WVU Water Research Institute, WV Department of Environmental Protection, and other partners have worked to improve water quality in the West Fork watershed for over two decades. Acid mine drainage,Continue reading “Working to Improve Water Quality”
Riffles & Pools
Have you ever spent time along a river and noticed how most rivers change along their course? Oftentimes, rivers display alternating patterns of calm flatwater and turbulent faster moving water. This pattern is not by accident. Learning to read the river can help you navigate the channel while paddling, or help you know where toContinue reading “Riffles & Pools”
Worthington to Monongah Community Float
Thank you to everyone that joined us on Saturday for a float from Worthington to Monongah. We had 17 floaters from Fairmont, Morgantown, Clarksburg, Lost Creek, and Jane Lew join us. We had beautiful weather as we took in the sights and sounds along the West Fork. The first half of the float takes paddlersContinue reading “Worthington to Monongah Community Float”
Paddle Groups of the Monongahela Watershed
The flatwater rivers of North-Central West Virginia provide excellent paddling opportunities. The major tributaries (West Fork, Tygart Valley, Buckhannon, and Cheat Rivers) and the Monongahela River are a hot-spot for water based recreation. Community members in Fairmont and Morgantown started their own social paddle groups to take advantage of the abundant recreational opportunities. The FairmontContinue reading “Paddle Groups of the Monongahela Watershed”
Speckles in the Night
In the midst of summer when dusk arrives and the coolness brings relief to the hot day-time temperatures, glowing speckles of light emerge out of the darkness. Known as fireflies, lightening bugs, or glowworms, these small critters are a favorite summer past time. Did you know there are different types of fireflies, each with theirContinue reading “Speckles in the Night”
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed 