There will be new historic signs and restored natural habitat along the Blackwater River Loop Trail linking the Towns of Thomas and Davis, thanks to Friends of Blackwater and two recent charitable donations.
A $10,000 grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation and $15,500 from the West Virginia Humanities Council will be used to enhance the Loop Trail, which was recently funded by a major grant from the Abandoned Mine Lands PILOT program.
Illustrated historic signs on Davis’s historic William Avenue will cover the commercial district and signs in Blackwater Falls State Park will feature the early sawmill, pulp mill and tannery industries along the river; the signs are supported by the Humanities Council. The Dominion Energy grant will fund the removal of invasive species like autumn olive along the Trail, and restoration with native plant species like red spruce under an agreement with the Forest Service.
“We are excited that so many volunteers have joined in these Trail enhancement projects,” said Judy Rodd, Friends of Blackwater Director. “And we appreciate so much these grants to help outdoor recreation in Tucker County!” To help with these projects, call 304-345-7663.