BECKLEY,
W.Va. –
The West Virginia Division of Forestry will hold a grand opening tour of a new wildlife viewing area on Greenbrier State Forest on Saturday, June 14.
The area was created to provide a more varied habitat for animals, especially local song birds, and features an observation deck for viewing wildlife.
Interpretative signs were installed to teach visitors about forest regrowth, benefits of water holes to forest animals, and types of song birds that will inhabit the area.
“This viewing area is a great educational opportunity for visitors to learn more about the forest’s native wildlife and the opportunities multiple-use forestry practices provide for wildlife habitat,” said State Lands Manager Barbara Breshock.
Those interested in touring the area should meet in the parking lot of the picnic area at 9 a.m. to carpool to the wildlife viewing area. After the 9 a.m. grand opening, an extended tour beyond the wildlife viewing area will be offered; those taking the extended tour should wear footwear appropriate for walking through the forest and may bring their own snacks, water and lunch. Breshock said that anyone who would like to hear the birds at daybreak on Saturday may contact Allen Waldron at (304) 256-6775 or Allen.B.Waldron@wv.gov to arrange an early morning tour.
For more information about the tour at Greenbrier State Forest, contact Allen Waldron at (304) 256-6775 or Allen.B.Waldron@wv.gov. To learn more about the eight state forests managed by the Division of Forestry, visit www.wvforestry.com.