Having attained international recognition, what’s on the celestial horizon for West Virginia’s newest stars on the dark sky park tourism circuit this fall? Well, this party’s just getting started! It’s time to get ready to celebrate unlike anywhere else in the world or the universe for that matter! Receiving national and international attention are Watoga …
Thousands of people visit Watoga State Park to escape urbanity. Others come to hike or run on wooded mountain trails or to experience scenic vistas along with nature’s sights and sounds. But, there’s a unique group of individuals who immerse themselves in the utter calm at Watoga. Throughout the year, they visualize, dream, and create …
Read more “Watoga Art in the Park Features Artisans, Workshops, and More!”
Even though the weather was not perfect for the 6th Annual Watoga State Park Mountain Trail Challenge Races, runners young and old alike turned out to take on the “challenge” of the 5K Run/Walk and Half-Marathon. And the Mountain Trail ChallengeContinues . . . Until Next Year . . .
The stage is almost set for the Sixth Annual Watoga State Park Mountain Challenge Races. Saturday’s races will feature runners from Virginia to California and across the United States. Because of Watoga’s unique racecourses, 5K and Half Marathon enthusiasts come from across the U.S. Race Day morning temperature will be a comfortable 63 degrees. Talk …
Read more “5K and Half Marathon Stage Almost Set to Welcome Runners to Watoga”
Hello everyone! Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Kayla Bowyer, the new naturalist here at Watoga State Park. This is the debut of the Naturalist Notebook. My name is Kayla Bowyer. As a naturalist, it’s my job to talk so please allow me to tell you a little bit about myself. I have been at …
Read more “The Naturalist Notebook — An Insider’s View of Watoga State Park”
Happy 4th of July from Watoga State Park. We have some phenomenal Watoga naturalist activities during the 4th of July weekend for all ages to enjoy. For more information, please contact the office at (304) 799-4087 or email Naturalist Kayla Bowyer at kayla.r.bowyer at wv.gov. The following schedule is just for July 2 through July …
Read more “Watoga Naturalist Activities — 4th of July Weekend, 2021”
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go! In mid-August, Watoga State Park’s Half Marathon and 5k Races return to West Virginia’s largest state park. Running and walking enthusiasts prepare to be “on your mark” for details about the Sixth Annual Watoga State Park Mountain Trail Challenge Half Marathon and 5k events. Next, let’s “get set” with …
Benches honoring two former superintendents were installed in June as part of the Watoga State Park Bench Project. Both are situated near the statue honoring the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) with a nearby small stream flowing gently to Watoga Lake. In the background is the park’s administration building. Bench for Kermit McKeever Kermit McKeever (1910-1995), …
Read more “Two Benches for Two Former Watoga Superintendents”
The pool officially opens for the season on Saturday, May 30, according to Jody Spencer, park superintendent. Mr. Spencer stated that prior to entering the swim area, each person must have a temperature less than 100 and answer several COVID-19-related questions. The number of admitted swimmers will be limited, and you may wish to call …
The 2019 Wild Edibles Festival is Coming Soon to a State Park Near You Watoga State Park Naturalist, Chris Bartley, is visibly excited about this year’s Wild Edibles Festival. When I stopped at the park headquarters to talk to him last Thursday, he started off our conversation discussing the major, and likely better, changes to …