Barbour County 4-H Members Attend WV DEP Youth Conference

During the weekend of November 8, two Barbour County 4-H members and one volunteer attended the WV DEP Youth Environmental Conference at Blackwater Falls State Park. County members in attendance were Lily Perkins and Cabell Knotts, with Phil Perkins serving as the chaperone. During the weekend, students interacted with other youth from the state to discuss environmental issues and how they were able to shine a positive light on environmental stewardship. Saturday, November 9, was spend travelling around Tucker County and surrounding area visiting sites such as Blackwater Falls, a land reclamation site, and the Mount Storm Power Station. All three Barbour County attendees were able to attend the conference with aid from scholarships from the WV DEP.

The event is held annually during the fall and typically is hosted by one of West Virginia's state parks. The highlight of the conference is a Saturday field trip during which attendees visit area points of interest, while learning about conservation and the environment. Participants also attend environmental workshops that focus on topics such as recycling, clean water and wildlife. Guest speakers each year highlight careers in environmental fields. The inaugural Youth Environmental Conference was held in 1976 in Beckley.