Latest news with #WestVirginiaDivisionofForestry
Yahoo
a day ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Tree of Knowledge: Fairmont State receives Division of Forestry grant for planting project
Jun. 11—FAIRMONT — Don't call it "landscaping." Fairmont State University last week received a grant from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, which it will use for a tree-planting project on its Locust Avenue campus — but the motivation, participants say, has roots going way deeper. "The trees themselves are a great project, " architecture major Ryan Williams said. They include the American Holly, Eastern Rosebud, Common Witch Hazel trees, all of which are native to north-central West Virginia, and all planted near the dormitories that line the Campus Drive East entrances, which are currently devoid of greenery. "But even more than that, I hope it will inspire more students to get involved, " continued Williams, who is on the school's Creative Sustainability Council and helped secure the Community EquiTree grant through the forestry division. "The more people are engaged with their community and campus, " the student said of the project expected to be completed at month's end, "the more we can better serve." And the best way to engage and serve, Williams continued, is by celebrating nature, which is perpetually blooming, growing and evolving. Such celebration, the student said, happens whether we realize it or not. For many, the academic family tree goes back 41 years to 1984, when celebrated biologist and naturalist Edmund O. Wilson wrote and published a slim book he titled, "Biophilia " — or literally, "love of life." "Life, " in the case of Fairmont State, being what happens on the other side of the classroom wall. Humans, inherently — and unconsciously, even — just "feel " better in the presence of greenery and trees in places they may not normally be found, the naturalist surmised. Especially, he said, in cities and other locales where concrete, neon and gray buildings prevail. College campuses, too. At the height of the pandemic five years ago, with its student population sequestered under quarantine, Fairmont State did a nod to Wilson. The university created Falcon Park, a walking trail which takes in 7.9 wooded acres at the top of campus and is a haven for native birds, turtles and butterflies. Falcon Park has since been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Meanwhile, the most recent tree project, said Devin Carpenter, an assistant construction manager at Fairmont State, will be enjoyed for future generations — aesthetically and environmentally. As the trees grow, he said, their root systems will stabilize hillsides, preventing soil erosion. Their canopies will shade asphalt during the hottest days of summer. And their fall foliage will add to the beauty of campus, Carpenter said. "And they offer back to nature a piece of what urban development once removed, " he said.
Dominion Post
2 days ago
- Science
- Dominion Post
Tree of Knowledge: Fairmont State receives Division of Forestry grant for planting project
FAIRMONT – Don't call it 'landscaping.' Fairmont State University last week received a grant from the West Virginia Division of Forestry, which it will use for a tree-planting project on its Locust Avenue campus – but the motivation, participants say, has roots going way deeper. 'The trees themselves are a great project,' architecture major Ryan Williams said. They include the American Holly, Eastern Rosebud, Common Witch Hazel trees, all of which are native to north-central West Virginia, and all planted near the dormitories that line the Campus Drive East entrances, which are currently devoid of greenery. 'But even more than that, I hope it will inspire more students to get involved,' continued Williams, who is on the school's Creative Sustainability Council and helped secure the Community EquiTree grant through the forestry division. 'The more people are engaged with their community and campus,' the student said of the project expected to be completed at month's end, 'the more we can better serve.' And the best way to engage and serve, Williams continued, is by celebrating nature, which is perpetually blooming, growing and evolving. Such celebration, the student said, happens whether we realize it or not. For many, the academic family tree goes back 41 years to 1984, when celebrated biologist and naturalist Edmund O. Wilson wrote and published a slim book he titled, 'Biophilia' – or literally, 'love of life.' 'Life,' in the case of Fairmont State, being what happens on the other side of the classroom wall. Humans, inherently – and unconsciously, even – just 'feel' better in the presence of greenery and trees in places they may not normally be found, the naturalist surmised. Especially, he said, in cities and other locales where concrete, neon and gray buildings prevail. College campuses, too. At the height of the pandemic five years ago, with its student population sequestered under quarantine, Fairmont State did a nod to Wilson. The university created Falcon Park, a walking trail which takes in 7.9 wooded acres at the top of campus and is a haven for native birds, turtles and butterflies. Falcon Park has since been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation. Meanwhile, the most recent tree project, said Devin Carpenter, an assistant construction manager at Fairmont State, will be enjoyed for future generations – aesthetically and environmentally. As the trees grow, he said, their root systems will stabilize hillsides, preventing soil erosion. Their canopies will shade asphalt during the hottest days of summer. And their fall foliage will add to the beauty of campus, Carpenter said. 'And they offer back to nature a piece of what urban development once removed,' he said.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Burning restrictions return in West Virginia with the spring fire season
WEST VIRGINIA (WVNS) — Burning restrictions return as West Virginia's spring fire season kicks off on March 1. According to the West Virginia Division of Forestry's Facebook page and website, spring fire season lasts from March 1 to May 31 and open burning is only allowed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Major Disaster Declaration approved by President Trump for counties in West Virginia There are two fire seasons in West Virginia: spring fire season from March 1 to May 31, and fall fire season from October 1 to December 31. Violation of the burning law can result in up to a $1,000 fine as well as an additional civil penalty of $200, and vegetative materials are the only type of materials that can be burned. Anyone burning is advised to only burn in low wind conditions. According to the fire burning guidelines on the West Virginia Division of Forestry's website, fires need to be watched at all times, and all fires need to be completely out before 7:00 a.m. Areas around the fire must have a safety strip, which consists of a minimum 10-foot wide area around the fire that is down to the soil and clear of any material that can be burned. McDowell County Commission looks for volunteers for landfills If a fire escapes a person's control, the person, firm, or corporation will be responsible for any damage that the fire may cause for other people, as well as costs that come from fighting the fire. Any power shovels, sawmills, engines, or machines that could create sparks will need to have a sufficient spark arrestor when running on land subject to fire. Inflammable waste areas on any land also need to be cleared of flammable and inflammable materials near disposal areas to give protection and keep any fires from spreading to nearby areas. There are some exceptions to the burn law guidelines that include: small fires meant for preparing food, warmth, or light, with a 10 foot area around the fire being cleared of burnable debris, and burning that occurs when there is minimum of one inch of snow around the burn area. 'Preserving Black Churches' grant aims to save more sites like New Salem Baptist Church The Division of Forestry can issue commercial permits to burn during restricted times, and willfully setting fire to other people's property is a felony and can be punished by fines and/or jail time. More information about the burning laws can be found on the West Virginia Division of Forestry's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
