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THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN west virginiaFALL/WINTER 2015 NEWSLETTER

Sprucing Things Up a Bit Restorative e orts like spruce plantings and invasives removal revitalize landscape

BY JESSICA KEITH n at least one occasion this past summer, Ben Rhodes could be found literally crawling through dense hardwoods in Othe Upper Greenbrier River watershed, eyeing the forest fl oor’s potential. Rhodes is on a mission to restore the state’s red spruce forests. The ecological restoration coordinator for The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia, Rhodes says red spruce once was a dominant forest type in the area, and proof of that is littered all over the forest fl oor. “There are thousands of seedlings and saplings waiting to be what we call ‘released’,” Rhodes says. “If we can open up the canopy and get them some sun, they’ll grow at a rate of 12, maybe 18 inches per year.” By managing competing trees, Rhodes and his fi eld crew are setting the stage for a spruce revival, and that’s good news says Mike Powell, land conservation practitioner for the Conservancy in West Virginia. “Red spruce once covered about 1.3 million acres of the state’s highlands,” Powell says. “Today, only about 55,000 acres remain.” Red spruce forests provide habitat for 240 rare plant and animal species. These forests once IN THIS ISSUE covered the peaks and plateaus of West Virginia’s high country but were decimated by logging 2 Director’s Message and fi res in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Standing 60–90 feet high and two to four feet in 3 LEAF Program diameter, the trees were highly prized for their construction value, thus sealing their fate. 4 Restorative E orts Returning this forest type to its rightful place in the landscape is just one way the Conservancy is 6-7 Human Nature working to restore vitality to lands and waters in West Virginia and beyond. Cover: The Nature Conservancy’s Ecological Restoration Team has removed Japanese knotweed along the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River, a popular fi shing destination. © KENT MASON

See RESTORATIVE EFFORTS, Page 4 DIRECTOR’STITLE MESSAGE

WEST VIRGINIA ou know us as an organization that pro- BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ytects lands and waters through exciting deals. This issue of your Nature Conservancy Robert M. Steptoe, Jr., Chair in West Virginia newsletter features our work to restore some of the state’s most valuable Joyce McConnell, Chair-Elect natural areas. Robert Nutting, Vice Chair Management and restoration work is no small Robert O. Orders, Jr., Vice Chair feat and is equally as important as our protec- Pamela Byrne, Treasurer tion agreements. It requires forethought, Benjamin A. Hardesty, science and numerous partners to develop the Immediate Past Chair type of large-scale ež orts that will endure in the face of such threats as climate change, unsus- Thomas Minney © LEEANN SHREVE/TNC Edward C. Armbrecht, III tainable development and invasive species. Kevin Ellis The threats are real and serious, but not insurmountable. With time, determi- David W. Gerhardt nation and more than a little sweat equity, we’re seeing results that leave me James E. Grey inspired and optimistic. Thomas C. Hulsey I’m confi dent you’ll read the pages of this newsletter and come away with a Frank Jezioro sense of hope, too. The articles shine a light on how we’re rising over incredible challenges to provide a stronghold for nature in West Virginia, which is of value Robert E. Lannan to so many in our state and beyond. W. Henry Lawrence I give thanks to you, our members, for your role in achieving these successes. Gifts Britt Ludwig received through campaigns such as Adopt-an-Acre or Plant a Billion Trees are Brooks F. McCabe, Jr. helping to restore forests in West Virginia and throughout the Central Appalachians. Daniel A. Weekley Other donations are being used to treat harmful invasive species that are choking the forests and rivers we all love. Some of you have demonstrated support of our Catherine G. Abbott, Emerita work through your involvement with our Corporate Council (see more on page 8), Edward C. Armbrecht, Jr., Emeritus and you’ll also read in this newsletter about individuals to whom we’re grateful Judith D. Dumke, Emerita for giving a trade land gift (see more on page 6). Charles Jones, Emeritus Whatever the means, we’re honored you’ve selected the Conservancy as a benefi ciary. We value what it takes for you to make a contribution and we will Ronald R. Potesta, Emeritus work just as hard to ensure your gift is used wisely. As the year comes to a close and you extend your generosity, we ask that you reaŸ rm your commitment Printed on 90% recycled (including 30% to nature. PCW), process chlorine-free paper, creating the following benefi ts: We need your help more than ever to cover costs for important conservation work, such as restoration of public and private lands in and around the Monongahela 5 trees preserved for the future National Forest. Often, we can help leverage federal funding by ož ering a match. 8.7 lbs water-borne waste not created For example, by contributing $60,000, the Conservancy can help trigger nearly 155.5 lbs solid waste not generated $500,000 in federal funding for this project. Through matching gift opportunities such as this and others, we’re able to increase the impact of your gift. 428 lbs net greenhouse gases prevented Please give online today at nature.org/donatewv or simply use the return envelope included in this newsletter. Yours in Conservation,

The Nature Conservancy is a private, nonprofi t 501(c)(3) international membership organiza- Thomas Minney tion. Its mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. State Director The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia The Nature Conservancy meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability established P.S. We’re thrilled to announce that your West Virginia news will now be stitched by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. The BBB Wise Giving Alliance is a national charity watchdog into each issue of Nature Conservancy magazine. Please be on the lookout for a¡ liated with the Better Business Bureau. that informational insert, beginning with the Dec/Jan issue.

2FALL/WINTER 2015 LEAF PROGRAM

Budding Scientist Credits Conservancy’s LEAF Program Student says experience in West Virginia helped shape her career path

BY JESSICA KEITH seven years has supervised more than when we couldn’t believe we were up rancine Camacho says she was 25 LEAF students. “They’re getting early during our summer break!” she F16 years old the fi rst time she hands-on experience and fi nding out says. “He was the fi rst person I’d ever really experienced a landscape other about career opportunities in this met who loved waking up in the than that of Brooklyn, NY, where she fi eld that they may not otherwise morning to go to work, and he inspired grew up. have considered.” me to have a career doing something I love—not just a job to pay the bills.” “I loved animals, and playing in parks, Powell says he’s been impressed by all but I never knew anything but the of the students, but it’s a memory of The type of work Camacho and her concrete jungle,” she says. Camacho in particular that stands out. fellow LEAF students assisted the Conservancy in West Virginia with in Francine was in 10th grade when she “We were on our hands and knees, 2009 is similar to the projects tackled heard about The Nature Conservancy’s looking for a Cheat Mountain by the program’s students in recent Leaders for Environmental Action for salamander—a pretty elusive creature,” years—ecological monitoring, trail the Future (LEAF) program, which he says. “It was late and everyone else maintenance, invasive species control, provides paid summer internships for wanted to wrap up, but she was red spruce restoration and more. students in nature across the nation, determined to go a bit longer. Sure including West Virginia. Participants enough, her perseverance paid ož “They’re playing a key role in our hail from urban areas and attend high and she spotted her salamander.” restoration and management ež orts,” schools that specialize in science and Camacho says she credits Mike’s Powell says. “So we’re all benefi tting.” environmental studies. mentorship for infl uencing her future Above: LEAF student Francine Camacho in 2009 Now a Ph.D. candidate in Quantitative career path. in West Virginia © KENT MASON; Below: Land and Computational Biology at Conservation Practitioner Mike Powell with “His enthusiasm defi nitely helped us LEAF students at Cranesville Swamp Preserve Princeton University, Camacho says stay motivated and on task, especially © KENT MASON the time she spent in West Virginia during the summer of 2009 was transformative. “I can still remember the sights, smells and overall feelings I had,” Camacho says. “The program made me inter- ested in science and conservation.” Mike Powell, land conservation practitioner for the Conservancy in West Virginia, says LEAF is a powerful way to introduce students to nature because it supplements environmen- tal education in the classroom with real-world experiences. “We’re helping to introduce really bright students to environmental issues,” says Powell, who over the last

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia | nature.org/explorewv¥3 RESTORATIVETITLE EFFORTS

RESTORATIVE EFFORTS from Page 1

“Today’s challenges, like climate change, large-scale land use changes and invasive species, mean that we need to think about conserving and restoring lands and waters at a much larger scale if we want our work to stand the test of time and have value for people,” says Thomas Minney, executive director of the Conservancy in West Virginia. Minney says the Conservancy is assessing the entire Central Appalachians landscape for the best protection opportunities. “People know the Conservancy for our protection of “hotspots” for plant and animal biodiversity,” Minney says. “But key to conservation suc- cess is our investment in protecting and restoring strongholds across our landscape that will be resistant to climate change as well as connecting protected areas.” In today’s world, meaningful conser- vation means keeping the big picture in mind, and the Conservancy is one of the leaders of an alphabet soup of groups that are working to do just that. Rhodes, who heads up the Conservancy’s Ecological Restoration 7,500 acres treated for invasive species by the Team, got his start as part of the Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Potomac Highlands Cooperative Weed and Pest Management Area Management Area team. The initiatives—each funded by the United States Forest Service— have similar goals, Rhodes says. 252 acres where red spruce seedlings and saplings “Ultimately, we’re looking to restore have been exposed to sunlight and “released” by The the ecosystem so that it functions in a way that best supports people and Nature Conservancy’s Ecological Restoration Team nature,” he says. “Whether that’s through the removal of invasive species like garlic mustard, by plant- 584,000 red spruce and northern hardwood ing spruce trees, or a combination thereof really depends on the site.” trees planted by the Central Appalachians Spruce The Potomac Highlands, an area valued Restoration Initiative for its incredible biodiversity and recreational opportunities, has been hit Photo: © KENT MASON hard by invasive species. Since 2011, a fi eld crew has been deployed to keep

4FALL/WINTER 2015 TITLE

the problem at bay, from tackling projects that have taken place since susceptible to invasive species and infestations of Japanese knotweed the group’s inception in 2009. doesn’t require fire management.” along Seneca Creek—a popular tourist “It’s incredible how many trees have That the forest type is low maintenance destination where riverbanks are being been planted so far,” Powell says of is good news not only for threatened choked by the invasive—to educating the more than 584,000 accounted species like the Cheat Mountain private landowners in the Smoke Hole for to date. “But plantings are just salamander, which relies on red spruce Canyon and more. one component.” habitat, but also for conservationists, “By managing invasive species in who recognize the need to increase Other on-the-ground activities, such these targeted areas, we’re not only restorative ežorts exponentially over as tree thinning, also are helping allowing native species to once again the years to achieve long-term goals. to give Mother Nature a nudge and thrive, but also protecting some of “We’ve succeeded when we can look the most beloved parts of the state,” providing opportunities for spruce to flourish in its historic territory. back and say that we’ve secured and Powell says. restored habitat that not only main- But the value of these ežorts in the “Cheat Mountain, Canaan Valley, tains important biodiversity, but that Potomac Highlands extends beyond Mount Porte Crayon, Pharis Knob, can continue to thrive in the face of the state’s borders into Virginia and Spruce Knob…CASRI’s work has climate change,” Minney says. touched down in all of these iconic D.C., where millions of residents rely A Herculean task, certainly, but areas,” Powell says. on the Potomac River for their drink- Minney says he’s uplifted by the ing water. Gaudineer Knob is the last remain- motivation of partner organizations That’s one reason the Conservancy ing site for virgin spruce forest in the and determination of on-the-ground recently expanded its watershed state, Powell says. But he’s hope- workers like Rhodes and his crew. ful that restoration ežorts will give assessment work. With support from “It’s impressive to see everyone come spruce populations the boost they a Chesapeake Bay Trust grant, the together around this common cause, need and at a scale that matters. ežort builds on existing assessment and focus on restoration ežorts that projects throughout the state and “Spruce is a resilient forest type in a cross borders to really make a dižer- will identify key areas in the Potomac lot of ways,” Powell says. “It’s not very ence—in everyone’s backyards.” headwaters region of West Virginia important for protecting and restor- ing—ultimately serving as a roadmap for conservationists. “To really get the full sense of our impact, we have to think beyond our county or state,” Minney says. “We have to think of our backyards as being much larger than the property lines that define them. If you drink water from the Potomac, or visit Dolly Sods to go hiking, then West Virginia is your backyard.” The Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative (CASRI) also serves as a primary example of a project with regional scope. Composed of private, state, federal and non-govern- Clockwise from top left: Red spruce mental organizations like the once covered about 1.3 million acres of the state’s highlands; today, only Conservancy, the partners have a about 55,000 acres remain. © KENT common goal of restoring historic red MASON; The Central Appalachian Spruce Restoration Initiative has spruce and northern hardwoods across restored spruce to iconic areas like the high-elevation landscapes of Spruce Knob. © KENT MASON; The Central Appalachia. Situated in the Conservancy’s Ecological Restoration Team has removed cheat grass at Pike heart of this region, West Virginia Knob Preserve. © BEN RHODES/TNC serves as ground zero for many of the

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia | nature.org/explorewv¥5 HUMAN NATURE

Clays for Conservation In August, Bob Nutting and Frank Jezioro, trustees of The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia, welcomed approximately sixty guests to shoot sporting clays with U.S. Senator Joe Manchin at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Teams from corporations across the region gathered to network, shoot clays and learn more about the Conservancy’s work. Photo: Pictured (left to right): Senator Manchin and Bob Nutting. © DALTON SMITH

Trade Lands Boost Conservation E orts Thanks to generous supporters, two recent trade land gifts will help The Nature Conservancy to protect some of West Virginia’s fi nest natural areas. An innovative fundraising technique, trade lands can include developed and undeveloped properties, urban and rural lands, commercial sites and many other kinds of property. The Conservancy accepts trade land contributions with the under- standing that the property will be sold or exchanged in order to fund targeted conservation objectives. The two recently donated properties in West Virginia, located in Monongalia and Pendleton Counties, together are valued at around $350,000, says Keith Fisher, director of conservation for the Conservancy in West Virginia. “We’re so thankful Mr. Dunlap, Ms. Millar, and Ms. Shelton all believe so deeply in the work that we do,” Fisher says. “Their gifts will be a huge boost for our work here in West Virginia.” Photo: FK Millar and Emma Shelton recently gave their Pendleton County property to the Conservancy as a trade lands gift. © KENT MASON

And We Have a Winner… Congratulations to Je Nelsen, winner of our sweepstakes featuring a weekend-long cabin getaway, courtesy of Harman’s Luxury Log Cabins, located in the foothills of the Dolly Sods Wilderness—an important project area for the Conservancy. “Our family has been fortunate to recreate for more than 40 years in many of the areas The Nature Conservancy has been protecting in West Virginia, including Cheat River Canyon, Dolly Sods, Canaan Valley, North Fork Mountain and others,” Nelsen says. “I thank the Conservancy for their mission and the great trip to Harman’s Cabins we will truly enjoy.” Photo: Je Nelsen and his son Ben crossing the Continental Divide in Waterton National Park in Canada. © COURTESY JEFF NELSEN

6FALL/WINTER 2015 Thank You for Making a Diž erence

The Nature Conservancy in West Virginia could not accomplish our broad conservation goals without the generous support of individuals, corporations and foundations. Although space does not permit us to list every donation, each contribution plays a crucial role in protecting nature now and for generations to come. We especially thank our supporters who have made gifts of $1,000 or more between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015.

In-Kind Gifts & Services Mrs. Catherine Lyons $1,000+ Adopt an Acre Gifts New WV Legacy Club Members Mr. & Mrs. Brooks McCabe Lowell Greenwood, Esq. ANONYMOUS Mr. Lee T. Paules $5,000-$9,999 Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Louise A. Doucette Angela Woo Sosdian ANONYMOUS The O¡ ce of the Provost at West Larry Myers & Janice Quailey Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Steptoe, Jr. Virginia University $2,500-$4,999 Mr. Daniel A. Weekley The Wine & Cheese Shop Greatergood.org WV Estate Donors Triana Energy, LLC $1,000-$2,499 Ms. Jennifer Sims Mr. John R. Slaughter, Jr. ANONYMOUS $1,000-$2,499 $1000+ Gifts & Pledges Dr. & Mrs. Sheldon Adler Dr. Janet J. Asimov Land Mr. & Mrs. Charles Agle Mr. & Mrs. Richard Clark $200,000+ Ms. Judith C. Baldassare Karen Shangraw Mr. & Mrs. Robert Freedman Antero Resources Kristie & Jake Bridges Miss Sheila McMahon Tributes Warburg Pincus LLC Mr. Evan Buck & $50,000-$99,999 Mrs. Theresa K. Buck Corporate Council for the Ms. Pamela M. Byrne & Received Birthday Tribute Mrs. Angus E. Peyton Environment Mr. James E. Heal Mr. John Huerta $25,000-$49,999 Mr. Michael K. Callen Leadership Council ($25,000+) Received Holiday Tribute Ann C. & Robert O. Orders, Jr. Professor & Mrs. William Canady Dominion Resources Mr. & Mrs. James D. Keister Family Foundation Hope & Thomas Covey Orders Construction Company, Inc. Ms. Rashenya C. Craig Received Honorarium Tribute $10,000-$24,999 Triana Energy, LLC Dr. & Mrs. Bruce A. Dalton Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Orders, Jr. ANONYMOUS (2) WestRock Foundation Mr. & Mrs. Henry B. Davenport III Benjamin A. & Jean M. Hardesty Received Memorial Tribute Mr. & Mrs. Patrick D. Deem Director’s Circle Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Nutting Dr. Charles H. Baer John Denham ($10,000-$24,999) Dr. Christopher D. Earl & Dr. March Enders Mrs. A. Giovanna Deveny AEP Appalachian Power Dr. Abby Telfer Mrs. Ann H. Hargrove Lowell Greenwood, Esq. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Ms. Shirley H. Jones $5,000-$9,999 John & Judith Hall Founder ($5,000-$9,999) Mrs. Denise Nielsen-Tackett Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Abbott John L. Hargrove Dingess-Rum Properties Mr. Joel Dean Shay Mr. & Mrs. Edward C. Robert E. Lannan, Esq. & Armbrecht, Jr. Mrs. Jane Pritchard Partner ($2,500-$4,999) Kathleen Martin Brown Steve & Marge Lewellen Amherst Madison, Inc. Mr. Stephen J. Callen Mr. & Mrs. Kent Mason Potesta & Associates, Inc. The Chingos Foundation Ms. Joyce E. McConnell & Snowshoe Mountain, Inc. Stan & Sarah Corwin-Roach Mr. Vincent M. Trivelli Members Jerry & Susan Dorsch Leslie Mead & Je rey Petrich The Dow Chemical Company The Dunn Foundation Dr. F.K. Millar Gat Creek Jody & David Gerhardt Robert & Miriam Miller River Expeditions Dr. & Mrs. Robert Kendall Mr. & Mrs. G. Ogden Nutting Mr. & Mrs. Robert O. Orders, Jr. Judge Dan & Dr. Kathy O’Hanlon Corporate Matching Gift Mr. & Mrs. Ronald R. Potesta Rafe & Lenore Pomerance Programs Ms. Kathryn K. Powers Mr. & Mrs. Douglas W. Richards Mrs. Betty Schoenbaum Kevin Stiles Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Ms. Jane Tanner Annette Tanner Dominion Resources Mr. Henry K. Willard II Ms. Suzanne W. Thorniley General Electric Foundation Shelby Vaughn Merck Foundation $2,500-$4,999 Ms. Jennifer S. Williams WestRock Foundation Mrs. Margaret A. Biggs & Mr. William C. Jacob Ms. Katherine R. Bruner & Mr. Je rey Wimsatt Dr. Richard Smosna & Ms. Karen Innes Steve & Amanda Cherry Jo Ellen Diehl Yeary Ms. Lois C. Drum Roger & Joyce Zipfel Charles T. & Mary Ellen Jones

Background photo: Dolly Sods Wilderness. © KENT MASON

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Corporate Council for the IN THIS ISSUE » Environment in West Virginia Ecological Restoration Coordinator Supporting Better Business Decisions for Nature Ben Rhodes is on a mission to As competition and demand for limited resources grow, investments in restore the state’s red spruce conservation can help businesses protect assets, mitigate risk and create forests. Home to 240 rare plant new opportunities. and animal species, red spruce forests were decimated by Value to Members logging in the late 1800s and Corporate Council members collaborate with and learn from industry and early 1900s. conservation experts and peers from business, government and other agencies. Members also have opportunities to sponsor events and develop projects Restoring this forest type to its with the Conservancy to meet environmental and philanthropic objectives. rightful place in the landscape is Ÿ Learn. Opportunities to combine the resources, expertise and core just one way the Conservancy competencies of the Conservancy with the wealth of knowledge of is working to restore vitality partner agencies and your fellow members. to lands and waters in West Virginia and beyond. Ÿ Network. Annual dinners and other events provide opportunities to exchange ideas and experiences with peers. Learn More. Ÿ Contribute. The infl uence, experience and resources our members bring to the table allow us to apply energy and resources to our most important work, raise awareness of the value of nature and infl uence sustainable practices, therefore positioning you as a leader in environmental responsi- bility among the public and your peers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Amanda Cherry, Director of Philanthropy | [email protected] | 412-296-1852 Photos: © KENT MASON