The Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council has announced more than $19,000 in grants to local organizations that promote education and conservation in the region. A portion of this funding has been provided by the West Virginia Conservation Agency and contributing counties.
Rain Barrel Workshop (Greenbrier County), $3,000
The Greenbrier Watershed Association received funds to host a rain barrel workshop that provides educational information about stormwater runoff and water conservation. Seventy-five rain barrels and installation kits will be purchased and distributed to participants. Two rain barrels will be painted by local students and auctions at the annual watershed celebration this fall.
Marlinton Wetland Educational Park (Pocahontas County), $5,000
The Town of Marlinton received funds to further work on an educational wetland park between a stretch of the Greenbrier River (Rail) Trail and 4th Avenue. The wetland park will include a trail that connects with the Greenbrier River Trail. Boardwalk viewing platforms, interpretive signs on plant and animal life, as well as source water protection. The Pocahontas County Commission has contributed $2000 to Mtn RC&D for this project.
Trailhead Kiosk at Piney Creek Adventure Preserve (Raleigh County) $2,500
The Piney Creek Adventure Preserve is a project by the City of Beckley that hosts an array of outdoor recreation activities. Funds will be used to construct trailhead kiosks, which will provide community education on trail etiquette & use, wilderness management practices, and more.
Stream Bank Erosion Prevention, Cranberry Creek Trailhead (Raleigh County), $2,970
The Piney Creek Watershed Association will receive funds to prevent further erosion on one of the most popular areas for waterfall viewing. Because the waterfall is close to the future Piney Creek Adventure Preserve trailhead, a fence will be constructed to keep visitors on the designated trail and away from the eroding stream bank.
Woodrow Wilson High School Class 2025, Wetland Project (Raleigh County) $3,000
This student-led project involves creating an overlook of the wetland area at WWHS for students to learn more about the environment and nature. Funds will be contributed to the overall project to provide dredging, lumber, tools, gravel, plants, and seeding. Native trees and plants will also be added. Partners include local businesses, community members and students to complete the project. Students have raised more than $24,000 for this project.
WV Rivers Coalition, Water Quality Monitoring Project (Multi-County) $3,000
WV Rivers Coalition will train and educate local landowners and conservationists on testing of water quality to protect critical habitat for native species. The Coalition will hold a regional training, offering education, equipment, and support for those seeking to track data on water sources for conservation.
The Mountain RC&D is currently accepting proposals for conservation and education projects in its service area: counties of Monroe, Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Wyoming, Braxton, Raleigh, Summers, Fayette, Nicholas, Mercer, Webster, and McDowell. Projects should involve conservation and environmental projects related to soil, water, or wildlife. The deadline for fall 2023 funding is March 31, 2023.
Additional information is available by contacting county RC&D representatives. A list of board members is available at https://www.mtnrcd.com/board-of-directors/. Interested individuals can also contact info@mtnrcd.com.
