West Virginia Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program

10/01/2025

Due to the federal government shutdown, this account is not being actively updated.
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Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

07/21/2025

✨ Memory Lane Monday ✨
Join us this Monday morning on a walk down memory lane as we reflect on some of our favorite outreach events and restoration projects over the past two years! The West Virginia Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (WVPFW) has had some incredible opportunities to engage with private organizations, landowners, and communities across the state, participating in fantastic events that celebrate our unique species and their habitats.

From hands-on habitat restoration efforts that support our at-risk species to outreach programs that hope to inspire the next generation of conservationists, each experience has aimed to create a positive impact on our communities and environment.

Check out these awesome images from from the past two years of the achievements we’ve made together in conserving and restoring West Virginia’s unique ecosystems and landscapes. 🌿💙💛

06/24/2025

Thanks so much to Hatfield McCoy Trails for having us out this past week on West Virginia Day to talk all things responsible trail usage and Guyandotte River Crayfish!

The endangered Guyandotte River Crayfish exist solely within Wyoming County, West Virginia and we are so grateful for the opportunities to get out and promote the protection of our Endangered Mountaineer!💙💛

06/13/2025

Oh Snap! Turtle Spotlight Time!!🐢🔦

Today, we're highlighting the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina), a prehistoric-looking creature that primarily inhabits aquatic environments and can weigh up to 30 pounds as an adult.

Unlike many turtles, snapping turtles cannot retract their bodies into their shells for protection. Instead, they rely on aggression as their natural defense mechanism, especially when on land. Their tendency to snap at anything perceived as a threat or potential prey has earned them an undeservedly fearsome reputation.

Thank you for joining us during Turtle Week! We’ve really enjoyed talking all things turtle in West Virginia, and we hope you have too. Let’s come together to protect our wild turtles for future generations!💚💚

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06/12/2025

Time for a Turtle Spotlight! 🐢🐢

Meet the Eastern (or Woodland) Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina), West Virginia's only fully terrestrial turtle species. This species has an impressive average lifespan of 50 to 80 years, though some can live up to 100 years old!

These turtles are aptly named for their ability to retreat into their shell and seal themselves off with a hinged plastron (or inner shell), making it tough for predators to reach them.

Unfortunately, box turtle populations are declining due to road mortality and illegal collection, among other threats. To help keep this species thriving, never collect wild turtles and be vigilant for turtles crossing the road. If you need to assist a turtle, ensure it's safe to do so and always move it in the direction it was headed, not back to where it came from! Let protect these wild turtles!!!

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06/10/2025

🫰🐢Oh Snap! It's Wild Turtle Week!🐢🫰

With over 60 known species, the U.S. is a global hotspot for turtle biodiversity, and 14 of these species can be found right here in West Virginia!

Turtles play vital roles in both nature and culture around the world. They serve as predators and prey, and act as critical ecosystem engineers. Turtles contribute to seed dispersal and create habitats for other wildlife, enhancing the overall health of our ecosystems. However, despite their importance, these remarkable creatures are among the most imperiled vertebrates globally.

This week, we're shining a spotlight on a few turtle species found in West Virginia and sharing tips and tricks for protecting these unique and essential animals. Join us in celebrating their diversity and learning how we can help ensure their survival!

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06/10/2025

Thank you so much to Friends of the Tug Fork River for having us out at their 2025 Paddle Camp this weekend! We had a great time talking all things Big Sandy Crayfish and getting to enjoy the Tug Fork River! 🛶💙

And thank you to the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge for the awesome activity inspiration 😉

06/09/2025

🐢Shell yeah! It's Wild Turtle Week!!🐢

This week, we are shell-abrating the unique turtle species found right here in West Virginia! Turtles are keystone species in our ecosystems, playing crucial roles in maintaining the health and balance of their habitats.

Stay tuned each day this week for some turtle-y awesome facts and spotlights on these fascinating creatures. You won’t want to miss out on learning more about their importance and conservation needs!

We also want to say huge thank you to our friends at the WVDNR for providing us with so many fantastic photos for our posts this week and for all their active and dedicated efforts in protecting turtles throughout the state!🐢💚

06/04/2025

We love seeing our biologist getting out there and doing the good work to protect our listed West Virginian species!💙💛

05/14/2025

Check out how our AmeriCorps creates one of our favorite freshwater mussels crafts! 💪💪

05/12/2025

Last month, the West Virginia Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program staff collaborated with partners and volunteers to improve habitat and benefit off-road vehicle (ORV) riders in Wyoming County, West Virginia. Read all about the about the project that replaced an undersized culvert on the Hatfield McCoy Trail System here ➡️ https://www.fws.gov/story/west-virginia-partners-fish-wildlife-program

05/06/2025

Thank you so much to the Friends of the Cheat for having us out at Cheat Fest this past weekend! We had a fantastic time showing off some West Virginia freshwater mussels and all the heavy lifting that they do for the health of our rivers, streams, and communities 💪💪