Blackwater Canyon Celebration!

Sunday, October 26th at Blackwater Falls State Park

Continue scrolling for more information and to RSVP to the event!

GREAT NEWS!

The iconic 10,000-acre Blackwater Canyon, in Tucker County, West Virginia, is now entirely in public ownership and protection!

We did this! It’s time to celebrate!

On Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Friends of Blackwater is hosting a celebration and reception at the Blackwater Falls State Park Lodge in Davis, West Virginia.

It will be fun! (details below). Please save the date and help us plan by RSVPing now using the form below. We will keep you updated on the event details, including speakers, etc.

More information – Why this event matters:

Join us on October 26th to celebrate a bright future for the inspiring Canyon and the rare Highlands creatures that live there. This program will inaugurate a fabulous new era of protection, appreciation, and opportunity for the Blackwater Canyon!

“Ginny,” the West Virginia flying squirrel, and her friends in the natural world are super-excited that their mountain home has finally been protected! Ginny says (in squirrel talk), “Hooray!”

We’re thrilled to share that more than 200 people have RSVP’d already!

Make sure to let us know if you’re planning to come, otherwise there might not be enough food to eat!

Here’s the October 26 schedule:

Program Highlights

  • 1:00 PM: Doors open for displays, socializing, and refreshments! Enjoy kids’ nature craft activities with Ranger Jane (ongoing throughout the program), live Appalachian music from award-winning Gerry Milnes and Friends, plus a special performance by the St. Johns Lutheran Church Hand Chime Choir. 🎶

  • 2:00 PM: Welcoming Remarks, Award honoring Senator Joe Manchin, Keynote Address by Peter Harnik, Co-Founder of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.

  • 3:00 PM: Concluding Remarks

  • 3:15 PM: Closing & Thank Yous

Any questions -- call Friends of Blackwater at 304-345-7663

Rain or shine, we are looking forward to seeing you!

P.S. – We are planning a 9:00 AM outing/short hike to the Canyon Overlook at Lindy Point, leaving at 8:30 am by carpool from the Park Lodge. RSVPing for this hike is not necessary.

Enjoy a free, family-friendly celebration with delicious food, refreshing beverages, and plenty of fun! Kids can dive into hands-on craft activities with Ranger Jane, while everyone will love the live music from Gerry Milnes and Friends, plus engaging presentations throughout the afternoon.

Photo Credit: Kent Mason