Make Your Voice Heard!

We couldn't have done it -WITHOUT YOU!

Friends of Blackwater celebrated a major milestone on October 26, 2025, at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge — the long-awaited preservation and public ownership of the Blackwater Canyon! 🌿 Thank you to everyone who joined us, including Senator Joe Manchin and Rails-to-Trails author Peter Harnik, for making this day so special. 💚
Check back soon for Event Photos!
Help Fight Back Against the Data Center + Power Plant

While the WVDEP’s Air Quality Division has issued a final determination in favor of Fundamental Data, the fight is not over. This proposed power plant would harm over one thousand residents nearby. Help continue to fight back against big data and those who want to destroy our communities.
Pick up your Data Center Sign at FOB’s Office today!

Help Support the Fight
Go North - Corridor H

When the DOH's Proposed Route was designed 30 years ago little thought was given to preserving our area's unique cultural, historical and environmental integrity, the things that draw people here to visit and live. The “Northern Route” will not damage the economic value of our quaint, people-friendly, historic mountain towns. We make our livings from the small town feel of this area and its wild beauty which attracts many visitors, vitalizing our economy.

TAKE ACTION

JOIN AMERICORPS WITH FOB!

Friends of Blackwater, based in Thomas, WV, works to protect and celebrate the cultural and natural heritage of Tucker County — one of the most diverse and historic regions in the state. Through our Tucker County Heritage Project, we’re sharing local history with residents and visitors alike, including a traveling exhibit of over 40 panels highlighting the years 1885–1950 and the pivotal civil rights work of J.R. Clifford and Carrie Williams.

We’re now hiring Full-Time AmeriCorps members for the upcoming program year starting in September 2025! This one-year term (1,700 hours) includes:

💵 A $21,000 living stipend
🎓 A $7,395 education award upon completion
🎟️ Eligibility for up to 2 semesters of WV Public Higher Education Tuition Waiver

If you’re passionate about education, history, and preservation, this is your chance to make a real difference!

📩 Questions? Contact Lesley Stokes at lesley@saveblackwater.org or 304-345-7663 x103

CLICK HERE!

THE NEW RIVERWALK TRAIL

FRIENDS OF BLACKWATER 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EDITION NEWSLETTER

To celebrate 25 years of conservation, community, and advocacy, Friends of Blackwater has released a Special Edition Newsletter! 🌿

This commemorative issue highlights our biggest milestones — from saving the Blackwater Canyon to restoring streams, expanding trails, and preserving local history. It’s filled with stories, photos, and reflections from the people who helped make it all happen.

Dive in and celebrate how far we’ve come together!

Download

Blackwater River Watershed Virtual Trail Explorer

Digital map of the Blackwater River Watershed with yellow trail lines and blue markers indicating points of interest, surrounded by green forested areas and labels for towns and parks.

Click Here to Explore

A small songbird, possibly a chickadee, perched on a tree branch amidst green pine foliage.

Help Make a Difference

Your donation fuels our mission to protect the breathtaking Blackwater River Watershed—preserving its beauty, wildlife, and history for generations to come. Be a part of something powerful—help us keep Blackwater wild and wonderful!

Donate Today!