West Virginia - Wild and Wonderful

About West Virginia

West Virginia is noted for its mountains and diverse topography, its historically significant logging and coal mining industries, and its political and labor history. It is one of the most densely karstic areas in the world, making it a choice area for recreational caving and scientific research.

Business

West Virginia is full of opportunity for any business with a growing economy and a highly dedicated workforce. Whether you are running an existing business or thinking of starting a new business you can find all of the information you need throughout this business section.

Education

West Virginia is fortunate to have a tremendous education system with a high standard of excellence. Please use the information provided here to learn more about the wealth of educational opportunities in our great state.

Employment

West Virginia is home to one of the finest workforces in the country based on our hard work and commitment to quality. Whether you are looking for new job opportunities, enhancing your job skills or researching future employment trends you can find all of the information you need throughout this employment section.

Family

West Virginia offers the perfect balance of a rural and urban setting that suits a variety of lifestyles. This is a state where you can go whitewater rafting in the morning, go to an art exhibit in the afternoon and attend a concert in the evening. Whether you just moved to the Mountain State or your family has been here since it was founded, you are part of our community.

Health

Maintaining proper health is vital to ensuring the highest quality of life possible. West Virginia strives to provide one of the best health care systems in the country that is affordable and available to all residents of the state. This section contains numerous resources to assist you in accessing the health care services provided in the state.

Tourism

Exhilarate in the lasting beauty and natural wonder scattered throughout West Virginia. From unmatched outdoor recreation to world-class resorts, breathtaking scenery and a variety of cultural and historic attractions, West Virginia is an ideal spot to plan your next adventure. Discover for yourself what makes West Virginia wild and wonderful.

 Better than a thousand words – Photography Workshop at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park June 11-13 

3/10/2010  CASS. W.Va. – Cass Scenic Railroad State Park will be hosting a photography workshop featuring national award winning photographer Clayton Spangler from Friday, June 11 through Sunday, June 13. Instruction will be available for all skill levels, and early registration is recommended for the limited number of spots available.

Clayton Spangler’s photographic images have appeared in outdoor magazines such as Wonderful West Virginia, Paddler, Southern Living, as well as brochures, advertising, and marketing projects nationwide. His work is also is included in the Professional Photographers of America’s traveling loan collection. Various assignments have allowed him to visit and photograph areas from Eastern Canada to the mountains and plains of the Carolinas.

In addition to his journalistic and environmental portraiture, Clayton also shoots fine art, landscapes and nature photography. His work captures the essence of location, mood and feeling in every shot. His work is represented by the Art emporium Gallery in Charleston, W.Va.

The weekend workshop at Cass will include composition techniques, what makes a successful photograph, visualization exercises, equipment use, using flash techniques, field trips and image techniques. Participants should bring their cameras, film or memory cards, tripods, sturdy walking shoes and outdoor clothing. Electric cords and outlets will be available for those interested in bringing their laptop computers.

The workshop will begin Friday evening for meet-and-greet 7-9 p.m. Saturday will feature a variety of classroom and field experiences. The workshop will wrap up Sunday afternoon.  The workshop size is limited to assure a quality learning experience and instruction attention.

Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers train excursions that transport visitors back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives were an essential part of everyday life. Participants of the photography workshop may make reservations for accommodation in one of the restored company houses. The steam locomotives, historic town and the rich beauty of the area will provide participants with many enjoyable learning opportunities.

For information about the photography workshop or other events at Cass Scenic Railroad, call 304-456-4300 or visit the park Web site at www.cassrailroad.com.

Contact Information

Andrew Bennett 
304-346-4300 
andybennett@wvdnr.gov