DAVIS, W.Va. — The West Virginia Highlands Conservancy invites the public to its 2025 Fall Review: Environmentalism in a Changing World, for a weekend gathering of conservationists, advocates, and neighbors from across the region. The event will take place October 31– November 2 at Blackwater Falls State Park in Tucker County.
As Appalachia faces mounting challenges—including policy rollbacks, industrial development, extreme weather, and habitat loss—the Fall Review offers an opportunity to reflect, strategize, and take action. The weekend will bring together leading voices in policy, science, and grassroots organizing to discuss the future of conservation in West Virginia and beyond.
Highlights of the 2025 Fall Review include:
Federal Policy and Appalachia – what’s happening in Washington and what it means for our mountains, with Harry Manin (Sierra Club), Lyndsay Tarus (Alliance for Appalachia), and Quenton King (Appalachian Voices).
West Virginia’s Legislative Landscape – key issues at the State Capitol with Mike Jones (WV Rivers Coalition), Lucia Valentine (WV Women’s Alliance), and Delegate Evan Hansen.
Keynote by Mary-Anne Hitt, Climate Imperative – on the future of clean energy and climate action.
Looking Back, Moving Forward – wisdom from veteran environmental champions Pam Moe, Jim Kotcon, and Rafe Pomerance.
Fundamentals of Organizing – a hands-on session with West Virginia Citizens Action Group.
A Look into West Virginia’s Stream Fishes – a presentation on Appalachian non-game fishes by Cameron Layne (WV Native Fish Coalition).
Because no WVHC gathering is complete without time outdoors, guided hikes will also be offered, including a Friday hike in Dolly Sods, a Saturday afternoon walk with the Blackwater Falls Naturalists, and a Sunday morning hike to Pase Point with Friends of Blackwater.
WHAT: West Virginia Highlands Conservancy 2025 Fall Review: Environmentalism in a Changing World WHEN: Oct. 31-Nov. 2 WHERE: Blackwater Falls State Park HOW: General admission is free. Registration is now open and recommended.
For more information about the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, visit wvhighlands.org. Connect with the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy on Facebook, Instagram, and Bluesky.
Founded in 1965, the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy is one of the state’s oldest and most effective environmental advocacy organizations. WVHC works to protect clean air, clean water, forests, public lands, and communities across West Virginia and the greater Appalachian region.
