Want to help shape the future of trails in West Virginia?
Join Guardians of the West Fork, WV Trail, and partners at one of the Regional Meetings this fall! These workshop-style meetings will help inform the development of West Virginia’s Statewide Trail Plan. Connect with the regional trails community and share your voice at a meeting near you.
We had a splash of a good time at WVU Jackson’s Mill last week, where Guardians of the West Fork hosted a Save Our Streams workshop led by the amazing Clare Talbott! Clare, an intern with Save Our Streams, brought her enthusiasm, knowledge, and hands-on teaching style to the group—and did a wonderful job guiding everyone through the basics of stream monitoring.
With 11 total participants, the workshop was small but mighty. We were thrilled to be joined by biologist H. Nicholas Millett from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program, Lisa Hollingsworth of American Rivers, and four WVU students eager to get their hands (and boots) wet.
Participants learned how to assess stream health by looking at the bugs that call our waters home—benthic macroinvertebrates, to be exact! These tiny critters can tell us a lot about the condition of our streams, and everyone had a chance to collect samples, identify species, and understand what those findings mean for the West Fork Watershed.
The event wasn’t just educational—it was also a great opportunity to connect, share stories, and get inspired about the work we can all do to protect our streams. Whether it was a first-time stream-stomper or a seasoned conservationist, everyone walked away having learned something new.
A big thank you to Clare for leading the charge, to our wonderful guests from USFWS and American Rivers, and to all the students and community members who made the day so special. We’re proud to be part of this growing movement to protect and restore the waters we love.
Stay tuned—more workshops and opportunities to get involved are on the way!
Guardians of the West Fork is Now on WVU iServe – Volunteer With Us!
We are excited to share that Guardians of the West Fork is now officially on WVU iServe! 🌐 Find us here on iServe
If you are a WVU student looking to get involved in meaningful, hands-on work that benefits your community and the environment, we would love to have you join us.
Guardians of the West Fork is working to restore and protect the health of the West Fork watershed in North Central West Virginia. Through cleanups, outreach events, trail projects, and environmental education, we connect people to the land, water, and each other.
As a volunteer, you could:
Help with stream and trail cleanups
Assist with educational events like Watershed Day
Support local trail development and restoration work
Contribute to community outreach and engagement
Whether you’re studying environmental science, social work, recreation, or just want to give back, there’s a way to get involved that fits your interests.
This partnership helps us expand our impact, while giving students like you the chance to gain valuable experience, build leadership skills, and connect with a community that cares about West Virginia’s future.
All ages are invited! Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day, bring your mountain bikes and ride the trails, walk the trails or visit the Watters Smith farm museum. Or drop in for the morning, the afternoon, or just one activity.
This year we will be adding short workshops which will require pre-registration – watch for the full schedule and preregistration forms in September.
We will have an introduction to our Watershed Champions Program – recognition for residents in the watershed who take steps to improve water quality and habitat in our watershed through actions they take in their own gardens, yards, and property. And activities to help you do that.
Some of the planned activities include:
Visiting the woods or the creek with a local Master Naturalist or birder to learn about birds, bugs, beasts and plants
Nature crafts for kids
Information tables on how watersheds work; programs to help you maintain healthy soil and water in your yard, farm, or rural property; septic tank maintenance; WVDEP REAP (WV DNR Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan) – Adopt-A-Stream, Tire Collection, WV Make It Shine, how to report an open dump, and more
Creek walks with WV Department of Environmental Protection staff to learn how stream health is determined, including demonstrations of water quality testing, checking for stream life, and evaluating stream banks
Tours of the Duck Creek Mitigation Bank, a stream restoration project of WV Division of Natural Resources and Water and Land Solutions, which is an example of how landowners can restore their own creeks, prevent erosion, be resilient to flooding, build wildlife and pollinator habitat, and improve the river and watershed for everyone
Watersheds are important because the surface water and stormwater runoff in a watershed drain to other bodies of water. Everything upstream ends up downstream. We all live downstream and our everyday activities can affect downstream waters – and our drinking water, fishing, swimming, and boating depend on a healthy watershed. The major problems in the West Fork and its creeks are pollution by fecal coliform from sewage and pastures, and iron in sediment from dirt roads, oil and gas drilling, urban runoff, farming, stream bank erosion, and abandoned mines.
Guardians President Lisa deGruyter says “Many people, agencies, and organizations in our watershed work on keeping our water and watershed healthy. The Guardians work to get an overview of our watershed health and co-operate with everyone who is working on it. We hope this second Watershed Day will help people learn about the watershed and what they can do to help get and keep it healthy – and enjoy a day at our state park.”
The Guardians Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, 16 July 2025 at the Clarksburg Water Board and online.
We have exciting opportunities this year; please come and join us.
Here is the preliminary agenda:
Approval of April and May Minutes (5 minutes) Treasurer’s Report (5 minutes)
Old Business State of federal funding Lambert Run Project Update (10 minutes) – Site Visit with Office of Surface Mining on June 25 – Site 4 – Site 8 – AGO Sites 3,5,9 Stream Partners Grant Review of work (15 minutes) – Water Trail Signage Project – Watershed Day 2025 (October 11) Ohio River Valley Participatory Fund (Stewards VISTA) (15 minutes) – Asset Map and Outreach – Save Our Streams Workshop Jackson’s Mill 31 July – Lewis County Lions Children’s Safety Fair on Saturday, August 23
Administrative Update – Printer – Watershed Social Hour Presentation July 1 – McKinney Run construction – Infrastructure updates
Update and Discussion
DOH Recreational Trails Grant Application for Clarksburg Nature Park Design Common Waters (WVU WRI) Water Quality Testing Project Project Wet Festival Spring 2026
If you are interested in attending online and are not on the email list, please email admin@guardiansofthewestfork.org for the meeting logon information.
We may not think about it often, but the West Fork Watershed is part of the vast headwaters of the Ohio (and so the Mississippi). The first land grants in our part of the country often labeled the land as “on the waters of the Mississippi.” What happens in our yards, our land, our woods and creeks affects everything downstream.
The Ohio River Basin Alliance has been working on a Restoration & Protection Report with the National Wildlife Federation and the University of Louisville. The draft report is the result of collaboration with river communities, non-profits, universities, agencies, and tribal nations.
The draft report was developed with input from over 500 residents across 31 Ohio River basin communities. It focuses on local clean water priorities to support workforce development and to aid those communities most impacted by pollution and environmental harm. It is being released for public comment and will then be delivered to U.S. Congress, with the goal of securing long-term investments to implement the restoration and protection solutions proposed in the document.
On June 14, torrential rains unleashed devastating flash floods across West Virginia. This unprecedented deluge overwhelmed local waterways and infrastructure, leaving entire communities reeling from the impact. Multiple news outlets have reported on the fierce rains—between 2.5 and 4 inches in just moments—that triggered rapid flooding, submerging roads, homes, and businesses alike.
In communities throughout Ohio and Marion Counties, the floods have exacted a heavy toll. Buildings have partially collapsed, vehicles have been swept away, and local businesses—such as Zambito Flooring America, which lost its entire inventory—have suffered irreparable losses in a matter of minutes. Families and neighbors now face the daunting tasks of rescue, recovery, and rebuilding in the aftermath of this natural disaster.
Local heroes have risen to the challenge. The West Virginia National Guard, emergency responders, and countless community volunteers mobilized quickly to provide lifesaving aid and support relief efforts on the ground. Their valiant work—clearing debris, managing swift water rescues, and restoring access to isolated areas—exemplifies the unwavering spirit present even in our darkest hours.
At the Guardians of the West Fork, our hearts break for every family and community affected by these flash floods. For years, our volunteer organization has stood at the forefront of protecting and preserving the West Fork watershed. This tragedy underscores not only the vulnerability of our natural resources but also the urgent need for unified community action to restore and safeguard our environment for future generations.
We urgently call on you—our extended community of supporters—to help in this critical time. Your donation can provide immediate relief, support ongoing rescue operations, and fund vital rehabilitation projects. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a concrete difference in the lives of those facing hardship right now.
How You Can Help:
Support Broader Flood Relief Efforts: Consider donating to the American Red Cross West Virginia Chapter, which is channeling resources to affected families and communities throughout the state. Donate to the American Red Cross
Stay Updated by Local Sources:
Ohio County-Look out for posts on social media from Ohio Valley Mutual Aid and Wheeling Service Corps. They post volunteer locations, drop off sights and directly affected Go Fund Me links.
Marion County– Tygart Valley United Way https://www.tvunitedway.org/flood is a great way to get assistance, donate, and stay informed.
If you’re able, please also consider volunteering your time. Whether you have skills in emergency response, logistics, or community outreach, every helping hand contributes to a faster, stronger recovery. You can learn more about volunteer opportunities and local relief efforts on our website or by contacting our team directly.
In times of disaster, community solidarity is our strongest asset. Together, we can rebuild our homes, reinvigorate our communities, and fortify our natural treasures against future calamities.Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Let’s stand united as we bring hope and healing to the heart of West Virginia.
In solidarity, Guardians of the West Fork
: MSN News – Building partially collapses amid deadly WV floods: Video : Floor Daily – Zambito Flooring America Loses Entire Inventory in Flash Flood : MSN News – West Virginia National Guard joins flood response after deadly floods : CBS News – West Virginia flash floods kill at least 7 after inches of rain fell : USA Today – Devastating West Virginia flash floods leave 6 dead and 2 missing
I recently attended an inspiring conference that opened my eyes to just how deeply recent funding cuts are affecting West Virginia residents. I went in eager to learn more about the challenges our communities face when support dwindles, and I left with a renewed commitment to strengthening our local bonds. In particular, I was thrilled to see how the mission of Try This—built on the belief that true change comes from empowering people rather than relying on projects—mirrors the work we’re doing with the Guardians of the West Fork. Our goal is to cultivate stronger, more resilient communities by deepening the relationship between residents and the natural beauty of the West Fork.
If you’ve been to a Try This Conference, you’ll know one of the three rules is “Go With the Flow.” That rule means when things don’t go as expected, we take a deep breath, pause, and then find the next best step forward. Despite this philosophy, nothing quite prepared us, our partners, or our community members for the sweeping cuts to AmeriCorps by DOGE. When our greatest helpers were targeted, it was a stark reminder of the fragility of support systems that our communities depend on.
In response to these challenges, organizers have rallied together to invite key stakeholders to a dedicated, one-day event at WV Wesleyan College on Friday, June 6. This event was designed to achieve two critical goals: firstly, to provide direct support to AmeriCorps and VISTA members—offering resume clinics, job search help, and other valuable training—and secondly, to brainstorm collective strategies to address the financial and staffing gaps these cuts have created across the state. The spirit of collaboration and resilience at this meeting is a testament to the Try This model, which holds that while no single organization has all the answers, together we can forge a path forward.
At its core, Try This aims to help knock West Virginia off the top of the worst health lists by building a statewide, grassroots network of healthy-community leaders. This mission reinforces the idea that communities don’t need to be saved from within; they need support from those who understand them best. The Try This model plants seeds of change by empowering local leaders with the skills and confidence needed to transform their neighborhoods—an approach I wholeheartedly embrace. Working with the Guardians of the West Fork amplifies this mission, as our efforts focus on making your community’s bond with the West Fork even stronger and more vibrant.
I left the conference feeling both challenged and energized—a reminder that even when faced with setbacks, our commitment to community welfare can spark innovative solutions and deeper connections. The upcoming event on June 6 is not just a meeting; it’s a call to rally together: AmeriCorps and VISTA members, impacted organizations, funders, partners, media, and community advocates are all invited to share resources, brainstorm solutions, and listen to one anther’s experiences. I’m excited to be a part of this journey, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue on how we can protect the valuable work of AmeriCorps in West Virginia.
Let’s work together to strengthen our community and enhance our relationship with the West Fork—building a future where every resident has the support they need to thrive.
Guardians of the West Fork Watershed 