2315 State Route 34 South , Hurricane, WV 25526(Putnam County)

*Utilities include Gas, Electric, Water, Sewer, Telephone, Cell service

*Timber and farming can produce cash flow to offset purchase and holding costs

*Hurricane is a 10 run with city amenities (Walmart, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, Petco, Walgreens, fast food, hotels, etc.)

*Charleston serves as a convergence point for three interstates (I-64, I-77, and I-79)

*Charleston West Virginia International Yeager Airport 45 minutes

*5 miles of blueline streams with additional intermittent feeder streams

*345 acres of timber, 80 acres of bottomland and higher-level crop ground

*Proximity to the 80,000-acre New River Gorge National Park & Preserve

*Miles of trails for ATV riding, hiking, camping, hunting and nature viewing

*40 minutes to Charleston, the State Capitol, part of the Charleston metro area with an estimated population of 207,000

*40 minutes to Huntington, part of the Ashland Huntington metro area with an estimated population of 368,000

*Resident wildlife population is rich in diversity and ever changing

*Dynamic forest with some old trees estimated to be 150-200 years old

*Forest and fields soak up tons of Carbon Dioxide and produce tons of life-giving oxygen

*Surrounded by mountain farms and large timber tracts in a quiet rural neighborhood

*Low taxes, low population density

*Dark skies with little light pollution for star gazing and planet observation

*The 600+ mile long Hatfield-McCoy ATV trail recreation area is nearby

*The property presents an opportunity to create a lasting generational legacy

*497 acres total lies on both sides of the SR 34 South

*345 acres of mature forestland

*5 acres home grounds

*80 acres bottomland and upper hay fields

*70 acres with a mix of timber and old fields

* acre farm pond

*North side of road 346 acres

*South side of road151 acres

*2 miles of blueline streams

*345 acres mature forestland

*$304,000 estimated timber value

*999,078 board feet of sawtimber & 13,531 tons of fiber

*47% White Oak/Chestnut Oak 472 MBF

*14% Red Oak Group 140 MBF

*14% Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood 143 MBF

*13% Hickory 132 MBF

*5% Maples 77 MBF

*2% Black Cherry 18 MBF

*1% All other species 17MBF

THE HOME AT THE WALKER FARM

MAIN FLOOR

THE CUSTOM KITCHEN

*Imported solid sugar maple cabinetry made in Germany

*Double basin porcelain sink with additional drain space

*Solid surface countertops with tile backsplash

*Garbage disposal

*Under cabinet breadbox

*Double oven with underneath storage cabinet

*Flat surface gas charcoal grillbrickettesvent hoodtile back splash

*Multiple pull-out cabinet drawers

*Double refrigerator (restaurant style Sub-Zero brand)

*Solid tongue and groove oak flooring

*Hide-away mixer shelf (mixer removed)

*Recessed lighting

*Over sink double-hung roll-out picture window

*Porcelain preparation sinkceramic tile countertopwhimsical inlays

*Solid oak floor to ceiling pull- out pantryshelving with revolving spice racks

*Exposed pine beams with drywall ceiling

CANNING KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY ROOM

*Double steel sink

*Oak cabinets

*Washer and dryer

*Refrigerator

*Double oven

*Formica countertops

*Tile flooring

*Dishwasher

*Laundry chute (from upstairs)

*Plenty of wire wall racks

MECHANICAL ROOM

*Two GE Smartwater 75-gallon water heaters

*Carrier dehumidifier for cooling system

*Communication system for landline phones and satellite dish receivers

DINING ROOM

*Old wood cookstove on brick hearth and brick inset

*Floor to ceiling built-in oak display shelves with cabinet underneath

*Vintage reclaimed barnwood wall paneling

*Solid tongue and groove oak floors

*Solid exposed pine beams with tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

FLORIDA ROOM

*Freestanding glass-front fireplace

*Roll-out casement windows with atrium windows above

*Exposed pine beams with tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Window seats with storage underneath

*Ceiling fans, colonial style trim

*Tile flooring

*Brick fireplace hearth

*First of two exit doors opens to a private wood deck

*Second exit door opens to a spacious brick patio and the walkways surrounding the in-ground swimming pool

*Venetian blinds

*Electric baseboard heat

*Carrier split heating and air conditioning unit

FRONT HALL

*Full-length casement roll-out windows

*Sparkling glass chandelier

*Antique kerosene lantern (converted to electric) suspended in the stairwell

*Slate floor

*Painted exposed beams

*Painted pine ceilings

*Stairway to second floor with seat lift (easily removed)

*Recessed lighting

*Solid oak casings

*Main entry double solid doors open to brick entryway and patio

*Brick pavers

*Walk-around deck with Trex decking

A-FRAME

*Solid pine beams and tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Two-story brick wood burning fireplace with fire starter

*Handcrafted walnut mantle recovered lumber milled from a dying tree on the farm

*Solid oak casings throughout

*Large chandelier

*Loft with an early 1,900s leaded stain glass window (name of glass is Lead Kindly Light)

*Excellent under eave storage

*Solid tongue and grove oak flooring

*30 ceiling height at top of single ribbed gable roof

THE COZY SUNROOM

*Tall casement roll-out windows

*Glass front cast iron stove with blower, brick hearth and brick inset can be removed

*Exposed pine beams

*Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Wet bar with copper sink and ceramic countertop with under-sink cabinets

*Early 1,900s leaded stain glass window ( name is Mary Queen of Heaven)

*Solid oak tongue and groove flooring and oak moldings

*A private exit door opens to a wraparound deck and the brick patio/walkway main entrance

SECOND FLOOR

MASTER BEDROOM

*Expansive room enough for king-size bed, lots of furniture, a sitting area (sofa, loveseat, overstuffed chairs, bean bags, etc.

*Massive, exposed pine beams special ordered from the west coast homes largest

*Baseboard heat

*Tall ceilings

*Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Built-in bookshelves/display cases with under cabinet storage

*Glass front cast iron stove with brick inset and hearth can be removed

*Carpet

*Tall windows offer one of the homes best outdoor views

ENSUITE BATHROOM HIS AND HERS

*Private, thoughtful layout, stylish, and bathed in natural light

*Space feels ordered, balanced, and big enough for two people to have their own space.

*Mirrored image double vanities with porcelain sinks, ceramic tile countertops, solid oak drawers and oak cabinets overhead. Room enough for separate chairs

*Solid oak floor-length cabinetry provides plenty of room to keep accessories, medicines, beauty or grooming products out of sight

*Plentiful storage space for towels, rugs, slippers, flipflops,

*Glazed porcelain tile

*Glazed ceramic tile flooring

*Skylight with mirror surrounds

*Recessed lighting

*Whirlpool garden tub with jets

*Walk-in shower with glass doors

*Two walk-in closets

*Solid oak moldings

SECOND BEDROOM

*Bank of rollout casement windows along one wall

*Pegged oak tongue-and-groove flooring

*Baseboard heat

*Closet

*Solid oak moulding

THIRD BEDROOM

*Light and airy

*Double window seats

*Painted solid wood doors

*Large closet

*Two storage closets

*Retro wallpaper

*Retro period emerald green carpet

*Exposed pine ceiling beams

*Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Painted molding

FOURTH BEDROOM

*Carpet

*Huge closet with sliding double-doors and multiple shelving

*Solid oak moldings

*Exposed pine beams

*Tongue-and-groove pine ceiling

*Retro bamboo like wallcovering

*Open bookshelves

*Casement roll-out window

SECOND BATHROOM

*Full bathroom

*White porcelain sink

*Solid surface tile sink countertop

*Walk-in tub with jets

*Tile floor

*Walk-in shower with glass door

*Recessed lighting

*This bathroom will probably require some renovating

HALLWAY

*Carpet with oak moldings

*Laundry chute

*Pull-down attic stairs

*Walk-out door leading to an elevated treated wood walkway

TWO STORY MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING

LOWER LEVEL

FIRST BAY WORKROOM

*Electric distribution center

*400-amp service

*Main cutoff for complete electric service

*30kw standby generator transfer switch

*Floor drain connected to parking area main center drain

*Pool pump, filter and heater room for outdoor pool

*Gas-fired furnace

*7x16 roll-up automatic garage door

*Nearly crack free concrete floor

*Insulated drop-down ceiling

SECOND BAY FARM SHOP

*Double basin utility sink

*Pot-bellied cast-iron coal burning cookstove

*Four steel doors

*Heated half-bathroom with ceramic tile countertop and ceramic tile flooring

*Floor drain connected to parking area center drain

*Furnace room

*Root cellar room with shelves

*Nearly crack free concrete floor

*Multiple electric outlets

*Mechanical room

*Insulated drop-down ceiling

*7 x 16 roll-up automatic garage door

UPPER LEVEL

*Potential uses for these rooms are many: home office, music room, art studio, recreation room, media room, hobby room

FIRST ROOM

*Exceptionally well-constructed and finished

*Solid oak tongue and groove flooring and solid oak moldings

*Exposed pine beams with tongue and groove pine ceiling

*Solid oak doors

*Lofted spiral stairs

*Built-in solid pine display shelving spanning entire wall

*Glass front cast iron stove with blower on brick inset and hearth can be removed

*Solid oak louvered shelving cabinet doors

*Full length transoms

*Wall has full-length and width architectural windows

*Wall has three rollout casement windows

SECOND ROOM

*Glass door cast iron woodstove in corner with blower on brick hearth can be removed

*Spiral stairway to loft

*Wall shelving

*T&G solid oak flooring

*Exposed pine beams with tongue and groove pine ceiling

*Full-width architectural windows

*Full-width transom window

*Natural light pours in

KITCHENETTE

*Large closet with pine shelving

*Half-bathroom with tile floors and wall-hanging sink and toilet

*Metal countertop and sink with cabinets below

*Large transom window for natural light

*Spacious upper storage areas accessed by a custom made solid ladder

*Door leading to back yard with big red chicken coop & cut stone walkway

WALKER KOI POND

The Walker Homes Koi Pond is a delightful water feature, where many relaxing hours have been spent watching the koi swim. The pond is located between two outdoor decks overlooking the inground pool, where it creates a focal point and can be most enjoyed. The sound of water and the sight of colorful koi swimming among water lilies create a relaxing atmosphere. The pond can attract neighborhood wildlife, including turtles, birds, and butterflies,

Colorful Koi are currently living in the pond

Water lilies, known as lily pads, live in the pond and bloom with a white flower

Condition of filtration system and recirculation pump are unknown

The number of fish and their health is unknown

ELECTRICAL AND WATER SYSTEMS

*Extensive decking around the pool laid with brick

*Brick pump house heated with shelving and concrete floors

*HVAC four heating/cooling units

*Thirty KV+/- Generac standby generator natural gas fired runs entire house

*400-amp electric service

*Main electrical cut-off for entire electric service

DRIVEWAY AND PARKING AREA

*Driveway is heated with electric cables installed beneath the concrete surface (sections of the driveway may not be working)

*The surface of the driveway and parking area is poured washed aggregate concrete

*Driveway has full length concrete safety curb

*Driveway has full length vintage hand-cut sandstone block wall

*Entrance has two lighted brick pillars

*Underground drainage system prevents erosion, puddles and ponding

SWIMMING POOL

*Outdoor inground swimming pool is selling in as is with all faults condition

*Overall condition is unknown will need maintenance & repairs

*Mechanical systems condition unknown pump, filter, chlorinator, heating unit, etc.

*Currently watertight

*Concrete bottom and stainless steel sides

*Views from the pool look out over forests and fields

*Two sitting decks and patio accompany the pool area

*Pool decking surrounding the pool is hand laid brick

LOCATION

Google Coordinates: 38.340688(N), -82.009922(W)

Address: 2315 SR 34 South, Hurricane, WV 25526

Elevation Range: 632 ft. to 1121 ft. +/-

DIRECTIONS

From I-64 Hurricane Exit 34: 8 Miles 15 minutes

Traveling from Charleston, get off I-64 at Hurricane Exit 34. Turn left across interstate bridge; turn right at the stop light and follow signs for Rt 34; stay on 34 about 8 miles; red barn on right on property.

Highways/Local Towns

Charleston: 40 minutes

Huntington: 40 minutes

Hurricane: 10 minutes

I-64 Hurricane Exit 34: 15 minutes

Airports

Charleston West Virginia International Yeager Airport: 45 minutes

Huntington Huntington Tri-State Airport: 50 minutes

Beckley Raleigh County Memorial Airport: 1 hour 45 minutes

DEED and TAX INFORMATION

Deed Information: DB 343 Pg. 278

Putnam County, West Virginia

Acreage: 497.29 acres +/-

Real Estate Tax ID/Taxes:

Putnam County, West Virginia

Curry District (4)

Tax Map 271 Parcels 2.2 and 2.4, and Tax Map 281 Parcel 4; Class 2

2025 Total Real Estate Taxes: $7275.76

UTILITIES

Water: Public

Sewer: Public

Electricity: Yes

Gas: Yes

Telephone: Yes

Internet: Yes

Cellphone Coverage: Spotty to excellent depending on carrier and location on the property

ACCESS/FRONTAGE

The property has nearly 1/2 mile of frontage on SR 34 South. Both the north side and south side property roads connect directly to that road.

ZONING

Although this property is considered to be in a non-zoned area of Putnam County, all prospective buyers should consult the County Government and also the Health Department for any changes and details regarding zoning, building codes, and installation of water wells and septic systems.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Putnam County School District

Lakeside Elementary School

Hurricane Middle School

Hurricane High School

MINERAL RESOURCES

The mineral rights associated with the property have been excepted and reserved in prior deeds. The property is being sold SURFACE ONLY. However, all rights the owner has in title will be conveyed with the property.

BOUNDARIES AND SURVEY

The property is being sold by the boundary and not by the acre.

FOREST/TIMBER RESOURCES

The 345 acres +/- timber resource is well positioned for current timber income as well as value appreciation over the coming decades. With an attractive species mix, adequate stocking levels, and favorable diameter class distribution, the timber amenity represents a strong component of value to the investor.

The Walker Farms forest has been well managed. A 2025 forest-wide inventory shows an estimated commercial harvest value of about $304,000. This is the value that might be paid by forest products companies in a competitive sealed-bid sale.

The forest resource is composed of quality Appalachian hardwoods. This timber resource can provide a great deal of flexibility to the next ownership in terms of potential harvest revenue and could be managed to provide cash flow opportunities to offset holding cost and long-term asset appreciation.

The land is very productive for growing hardwoods with annual ring growth up to inch. The timber runs consistently throughout. It is good quality hardwood sawtimber and veneer. There is a market for this timber in the area.

The abundant timber resource is well positioned for future timber income as well as value appreciation over the coming decades. With an attractive species mix, adequate stocking levels, and favorable diameter class distribution, the timber amenity represents a strong component of value to the investor.

The property has various ages of forestland, ranging from 40-year-old emerging forest in naturally regenerated old farm fields to 100-year-old full canopy stands of mature forest. The forest features a timber resource with impressive commercial and pole stocking with a solid basal area per acre. This stocking is average to above average for the region.

Diameters are well represented across the commercial and pre-commercial spectrum with a mature size class, as well as abundant pole size timber and growing stock. Average diameter with all products combined is considered average to above average for the area.

There are some trees well over 150 years old and classified as Heritage Trees. These amazing trees have withstood the test of time and lend an air of grace and permanency to the property.

The forest is healthy and there are no signs of pest infestations of Gypsy Moth. Emerald Ash Borer, and the Hemlock Wooly Adelgid are present and most of the Ash and Hemlock trees are severely stressed and will continue to decline over the next decade. There have been no forest fires in recent memory.

The forest floor is home to several types of mushrooms, medicinal plants, wild ginseng, ferns and cool green mosses. There may be a few fruit trees scattered about which were part of the early homestead. Honeybees will do very well here.

TIMBER INVENTORY

Timber data in this report is based upon a 2025 timber inventory conducted by a professional forestry consultant.

Commercial Timber Value was estimated by a professional forester to be approximately $304,151 in July 2025.

Species composition:

The forests predominately well-drained upland terrain has led to a resource dominated by hardwood species. Overall, the species composition is highly desirable and favors Appalachian hardwood types, consisting primarily of:

47% White Oak/Chestnut Oak 472 MBF

14% Red Oak Group 140 MBF

14% Poplar/Cucumber/Basswood 143 MBF

13% Hickory 132 MBF

5% Maples 77 MBF

2% Black Cherry 18 MBF

1% A host of associate species (Birch, Beech, Gum, Pine,) with 17MBF

The inventory shows 9,389 trees containing 999,078 board feet of hardwood sawtimber and veneer 12 dbh and larger.

The inventory shows forest wide 13,852 tons of pulpwood & future growing stock.

The forester took 84 systematic samples on a 400x400 grid using a basal area factor of 15 across the forest. The trees were measured for diameter at breast height (dbh) applying the Doyle Scale, Form Class 78 & 80.

DISCLAIMER: The above-listed volumes are estimates provided by Woodsmans Consulting and are only for the benefit of the owners and Foxfire Realty and are not guaranteed. Potential buyers must make their own determination of the quantity, quality and commercial value of the timber. The owner, Foxfire Realty and Woodsmans Consulting, are not responsible for any incorrect information.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES

The Walker Farm has about eighty acres of bottomland and upland fields. Presently, the fields are farmed to produce hay for feeding cattle during the winter months.

During the period between 1850 and 1920, most of the property was cleared with hand tools and animal drawn equipment. Converting timberland into farm fields required a tremendous amount of back-breaking physical labor. Field stone scattered about the edges of the fields are a lasting tribute to the early mountaineers who homesteaded the land. The property contains approximately 80 acres of farm fields that were once the anchor and heartbeat of the self-sustaining lifestyle of the original homestead. Past farming history included cattle and sheep grazing, production of hay, oats, barley and corn. The soil and elevation are well suited for establishing a vineyard or fruit orchard.

With the advent of the modern farm tractor in the mid-1940s, many farm workers were no longer needed and migrated to the large northern cities to work in the factories. This sweeping change resulted in the less productive and steeper areas of the farms were abandoned and were no longer being maintained. These areas eventually became todays valued forests.

There are about 80 acres in hayfields that would be suitable for row crops like corn, wheat, pumpkins, etc.

The property has been in continuous agricultural use for some 150 years.

There is a considerable amount of fencing in various condition of repair about the property.

The propertys rich soil, blue line and intermittent streams, 4 seasons climate, and varied topography provide the elements necessary for a self-sustaining lifestyle.

A few fruit trees are scattered about, some of which were part of the early homestead. Crops of black walnuts are produced each year from the abundant black walnut trees on the property.

Honeybees will do well here and it may be possible to produce some maple syrup from the sugar and red maple trees growing on the property.

WILDLIFE

Years of wildlife management practices have created the ideal wildlife preserve. Early on, management goals promoted overall wildlife health, facilitated the harvest of game, developed wildlife viewing areas, increased carrying capacity, and increased species diversity.

The 2.5 miles of frontage on three blueline streams is a major contributor to the local ecosystem richness and diversity for both plants and animals. The propertys blueline and intermittent steams create a water supported community with a wide variety of wildlife. Some of the margins of the streams are fringed by wetlands. These wetlands support the aquatic food web, provide shelter for wildlife, and stabilize the streambanks. Some of the plant life associated with the wetland includes rushes, sedges, cattails, duckweed, skunk cabbage, and algae.

There are many animals that live year-round, and at other times, in the water and around the edges of the areas lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks and streams. These include raccoons, opossums, blue herons, Canada geese, wood ducks, mallards, minnows, native fish, turtles, salamanders, newts, crayfish, muskrats, bull frogs, eagles, hawks and redwing blackbirds.

There is the insect and microscopic world including butterflies, dragonflies, pond skaters, water beetles, damselflies, tadpoles and various insect larvae.

The diverse tree species, coupled with the abundant water supply, create the perfect wildlife habitat. The miles of edge effect created between the steams, fields, hollows, ridges, and rock outcrops benefit all the resident wildlife. Bald eagles, white tail deer, black bear, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, bobcat, raccoon, fox and many species of songbirds, owls and raptors make up the resident wildlife population.

The hardwood forest provides an essential nutrient source and produces tons of hard mast including acorns, hickory nuts, beech nuts and black walnuts. Soft mast includes stag horn sumac, black cherry, tulip poplar seeds, maple seeds, autumn olive berries, and blackberries.

WATER RESOURCES

There are 3 blueline streams (Nelson Hollow, Trace Fork, and an unnamed one) flowing through and along the western edge of the property for a total flow distance on the property of about 2.5 miles. The southern side of the property also contains a pond that is about 1/4 acre in size. The Ohio River and Kanawha River are less than an hours drive.

RECREATION AT THE WALKER FARM offers outstanding on-site recreational opportunities. Numerous activities are supported by steams, fields, forests, and of miles of trails.

Nature viewing is first in line of recreational activities. Attentive wildlife management has been geared not to just game animals. Equal consideration has been extended to increasing the numbers and diversity of species including neo-tropical songbirds, butterflies, turtles, frogs, rabbits, chipmunks, dragonflies, owls and hawks.

Stargazing-Planet Observation

Complete or near darkness can still be found on many areas of the property, thereby affording the opportunity to view the night sky in all its brilliant wonder.

Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Hiking

The property has miles of trails that may be used for mountain biking, hiking or horseback riding.

Shooting-sports devotees find all the land and privacy needed to enjoy:

Paintball-Airsoft-Laser Tag-Archery tag

Shotgun sport shooting including Skeet, Trap, Double Trap and Sporting Clays

Rifle & Handgun shooting: bullseye, silhouette, western, bench rest, long-range, fast draw

Archery and Crossbow competition shooting

Plain ole plinking: Grandpas old 22 single shot rifle and a few tin cans make a fun day

All Terrain Motorsports

Internal roads and several forest trails are perfect for experiencing the property from an ATV or UTV. These exciting machines handle a wide variety of terrain.

Dirt bikes and Motorcross can also be a lot of fun and they come in all sizes and horsepower to fit anyone who enjoys an adrenaline rush.

Hunting is a first-class experience. White tail deer, black bear, red/gray fox, bobcat, wild turkey, grouse, duck, squirrel, raccoon, fox and rabbit make up the resident wildlife population. It is hard to find a property that has a better mix of wildlife.

SELF-SUSTAINING LIFE OFF THE GRID

Just like two hundred years ago, when the first mountaineers settled the area, the property would be self-sustaining in times of necessity even without electricity.

Fresh water for drinking and cooking would come from drilled water wells (hand drawing water from the wells using a cylinder well bucket). Mountain springs can be developed.

The forest would provide fresh food (deer and turkey).

The agricultural lands flat to rolling topography would be used to raise livestock of all kinds (chickens, pigs, cows, sheep, goats, rabbits etc.) and could be farmed with horse drawn equipment. The land would support vegetable gardens, berry patches, fruit orchards, and row crops of corn, oats and barley.

Beehives would provide honey and beeswax for candles.

The forest would provide firewood for heating and cooking, lumber for building, basket splints, maple syrup and pounds of nuts (walnuts, beechnuts and hickory nuts).

FOREST FARMING

The most common crops are medicinal herbs and mushrooms. Other crops that can be produced include shade-loving native ornamentals, moss, fruit, nuts, other food crops, and decorative materials for crafts. These crops are often referred to as special forest products.

Here are some specific examples of crops in each category that are currently being cultivated:

Medicinal herbs: Ginseng, goldenseal, black cohosh, bloodroot, passionflower, and mayapple

Mushrooms: Shiitake and oyster mushrooms

Native ornamentals: Rhododendrons and dogwood

Moss: Log or sheet moss

Fruit: Pawpaws, currants, elderberries, and lowbush blueberries

Nuts: Black walnuts, acorns, hazelnuts, hickory nuts, and beechnuts

Other food crops: Ramps (wild leeks), maple syrup, and honey

Plants used for decorative purposes, dyes, and crafts: Galax, princess pine, white oak, pussy willow branches in the spring, holly, bittersweet, and bloodroot and ground pine (Lycopodium)

THE VALUE OF WETLANDS

Once regarded as impediments to economic growth, wetlands drained and filled to make way for farmland and development. Now, however, they are prized for their recreational and environmental value. Located nearby is one of the states largest wetlands, these swamp forests, as such areas were once called, are attracting increased attention. While scientists celebrate the ecological benefits, outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, hunters, and paddlers, are visiting them in ever-increasing numbers. Kayakers can now be found paddling the meandering waterways with cameras and binoculars in hand. Several wildlife observation areas have been opened, and local travel bureaus are approaching the Big Meadows as a tourist destination.

Wetlands are now recognized as being among the worlds most productive ecosystems, comparable to rain forests and coral reefs. The combination of shallow water and elevated levels of nutrients is ideal for organisms that form the base of the food web and feed many species of bird, fish, insects, and amphibians, which explains the enormous population of wildlife that visits and inhabits the area permanently and seasonally.

Scientists now understand that wetlands store carbon within their soil and plant communities instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Thus, wetlands help moderate global climate. They also function as natural sponges that trap and slowly release surface water, rain, and snowmelt, slowing the speed of flood waters and distributing them more slowly over the floodplain, preventing flooding in urban areas downstream.

RIPARIAN ZONES

In earlier times, before the environmental and societal values of riparian zones (RZs) were discovered, the RZ was commonly called a swamp. These enchanting areas are biologically rich and wildlife diverse, being akin to the worlds largest swamps found in the Florida Everglades and the Amazon River Basin. The mighty RZ works to provide ecosystem servicesnon-monetary benefits like clean water, clean air, carbon sequestration, and recreation for everyone.

These areas are the best of both worlds. Here you can watch for deer, squirrels, raccoon, and turkey while exploring for butterflies, turtles, frogs, crawdads, songbirds, salamanders, newts, and a host of other aquatic invertebrates, migratory birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

RZs are a very productive part of the environment, more productive of vegetation, in fact, than some agricultural soils. This vegetation serves important purposes. It shelters and feeds many wildlife species that cannot survive elsewhere. Almost 35 percent of all rare and endangered species depend, in some way, on RZs. More common riparian zone species provide enjoyment to many by serving educational, research and recreational needs. Waterfowl and many fur bearers such as beaver, mink and muskrat provide both consumptive and no consumptive recreation and are dependent on the zones. Many fringe RZs provide the food that young fish need to survive. By slowing the flow of water, RZs help keep banks from eroding and they trap and settle suspended silt before it smothers fish eggs and covers the insects and other animals that fish eat.

Riparian zones add visual diversity and offer an opportunity to see many different plant and wildlife species seen nowhere else on the property.

A MOST PLEASANT CLIMATE

The property experiences an enjoyable four-season climate ideal for growing grapes, berries, apples, peaches, flowers, gardens, hay, and all kinds of row crops. The elevation and surrounding mountains contribute favorably to their growth. Honey, maple syrup, and molasses production all thrive exceptionally well in this climate, as do livestock, poultry, and people.

Summers are noticeably cooler, with average high temperatures in the seventies and eighties. During the winter, high temperatures reach the 50s and 60s, with lows dropping to the teens. Spring and fall feature spectacular weather that highlights the brilliant colors of the changing seasons, and temperatures average in the sixties. Annual rainfall is approximately forty-four inches, while annual snowfall is approximately thirty-nine inches.

CARBON SEQUESTRATION

The 497 +/- acres is a tremendous producer of Oxygen and sequester of Carbon Dioxide. Carbon Sequestration is the act of processing carbon dioxide through sinks and stores and releasing them into the atmosphere as oxygen. The farm fields and vigorously growing forest are sequestering thousands of tons of Carbon Dioxide each per year and producing tons and tons of life-giving Oxygen.

This natural process allows the owner (and family/friends) the opportunity to potentially enjoy a carbon neutral footprint.

The leasing of Carbon Credits to environmental mitigation companies is a rapidly emerging financial opportunity for the property owner to receive income without placing any burden on the land. The leases can be for as little as one year.

WEST VIRGINIA A BRIEF OVERVIEW

Nickname: The Mountain State

Statehood: 1863; 35th state

Population 2025: 1,770,071

Capital: Charleston

Biggest City: Charleston 47,000 residents

Abbreviation: WV

State bird: Cardinal

State flower: Rhododendron

State Animal: Black Bear

The most forested state

HISTORY

After archaeologists discovered spear points used to hunt extinct species such as mastodons and mammoths, they realized that people have lived in whats now West Virginia for at least 10,500 years. Many thousands of years after these ancient people lived, Native American tribes including the Cherokee, Iroquois, Manahoac, Meherrin, Monacan, Nottaway, Shawnee, Occaneechi, Tutelo, and Saponi populated the land.

After the British arrived in the 1600s, the area that now encompasses West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, and parts of North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New York was all called Virginia. In 1730, Virginias British-controlled government offered a thousand acres free to each European family willing to move to the area that would become West Virginia. As a result, Native Americans homelands were taken, and tribes began supporting the French in a land war against the British (often called the French and Indian War) from 1756 until 1763.

The British won that battle, so West Virginia was still part of Virginia during the Revolutionary War of 1775 to 1783. But at the beginning of the Civil War (1861-1865), West Virginia refused to secede (withdraw) from the Union along with the rest of the state. John Brown, an abolitionist, someone who wanted to abolish slavery, staged a famous raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859. Brown hoped weapons gained in the raid would be used in the fight against slavery, but his raid failed. West Virginia separated from Virginia in 1861, and two years later, it became its own state.

WHY IS IT CALLED THE MOUNTAIN STATE?

West Virginia was originally going to be called Kanawha, a name that honors a Native American tribe. However, even though the region separated from Virginia, officials still wanted that as part of its new name. (Virginia was named after a nickname of Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled in the late 1500s.)

West Virginia is called the Mountain State because it is the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain region, and its average elevation is higher than any other state east of the Mississippi River!

GEOGRAPHY AND LANDFORMS

Some people think this states shape looks like a leaping frog, with its nose in the southwestern corner. WV is bordered by Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland in the north; Maryland and Virginia in the east; Virginia and Kentucky in the south; and Kentucky and Ohio in the west. The Ohio River creates its wiggly western border, while its winding eastern border is created by the Appalachian Mountains. It can be divided into two geographical regions.

The Appalachian Ridge and Valley Region includes the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains, which start in the northeast and run southwest. This region is known for its parallel ridges that were cut by streams, as well as canyons called water gaps. Forests, caves, and high peaks dot this area, including the states highest point, Spruce Knob.

The Allegheny Plateau spreads across the rest of the state and has flat-topped hills and rounded peaks. Deep, stream-cut gorges and a wall of mountains called the Allegheny Front separate the states two regions.

WILDLIFE

At least seventy kinds of mammals inhabit West Virginia, including Virginia big-eared bats, West Virginia northern flying squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and black bears, the state animal. Wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, barred owls, bald eagles, cerulean warblers, and ruby-throated hummingbirds are among the three hundred species of birds that live in the state.

Fence lizards, stinkpots (a kind of turtle), rattlesnakes, and five-lined skinks are some of the reptiles that slither and skitter through West Virginia. Amphibians such as tiny cricket frogs, mountain chorus frogs (Spring peepers), Allegheny Mountain dusky salamanders, newts, and West Virginia spring salamanders also live throughout the state.

Some of West Virginias most common trees include oaks, poplar, hickory, maples, Black Walnut, and hemlock. The state also has many native wildflowers such as Black-Eyed Susans, Joe Pie Weed, bluebells, buttonweed, Virginia potato (which has edible roots), and wild strawberry.

NATURAL RESOURCES

As the United States third most-forested state, West Virginia is known as a Resource State for its coal, timber, natural gas, quarry stone, rivers, and protected woodlands. It is also famous for its salt: Wild buffalo and deer gathered to lick natural salt deposits, and Native Americans and colonists gathered salt to cure butter and preserve meats. Today salt deposits are still mined for rock salt, which is then used to create chemicals such as chlorine.

Coal, oil, timber, and natural gas, chemicals, and tourism are major contributors to the states economy.