Tree Talks to Explore Our Central Appalachian Forests

Date: January 20, 2026

Contact: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Elkins Tree Board, fregonarafamily@cebridge.net

ELKINS-The Elkins Tree Board and Kump Education Center are sponsoring a new Tree Talks Lecture Series, that begins on Wednesday, March 4, at 7 p.m. This series will gather experts and community members to explore various aspects of our Appalachian woodlands, from their biological uniqueness to multi-generational ways to celebrate their beauty. The first of three lectures, “Under Pressure: A Tale of Two Salamanders,” will feature Lacy Rucker, Biological Scientist, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station.

Rucker’s talk will discuss why the Appalachian Mountains are considered a biodiversity hotspot and are frequently referred to as the salamander capital of the world. Unfortunately, logging and subsequent unnaturally extreme wildfires that occurred between the 1880s and 1910s across West Virginia are believed to have shaped the distributions of some salamanders, including the Cheat Mountain salamander. Her presentation will cover how these historical impacts, habitat fragmentation, destruction, and climate change continue to threaten salamanders.

Other lectures in the series include: “Exploring Woods with Wonder: Multi-Generational Ways to Share the Outdoors” with Valerie Hart and Kate Reed, co-owners of the non-profit Wonder & Grow and coordinators of the Randolph County Outdoors program, on Wednesday, April 1, at 7 p.m. and “Forest Invaders: How Invasives Wreak Woodland Havoc” with Michelle Fonda, Private Lands and Invasive Species Biologist with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m.

All lectures in the series are free and open to the public and take place in the historic Kump House located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins (across from Kroger). Parking is available in the back and accessible by Seneca Road.

For more information about the event, visit kumpeducationcenter.org. For information about the Elkins Tree Board, visit cityofelkinswv.com/city-government/boards-commissions/tree-board/.

CUTLINE:

The Tree Talks Lecture Series at the Kump Education Center will feature three monthly lectures beginning Wednesday, March 4 at 7 p.m. at the historic Kump House, Elkins. Speakers include, from left to right: Lacy Rucker, Biological Scientist, USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station; Kate Reed and Valerie Hart, co-owners of Wonder and Grow; and Michelle Fonda, Private Lands and Invasive Species Biologist, WVDNR.

KUMP CENTER TO CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL WITH 100 TREES DISPLAY

For Immediate Release: December 11, 2025

ELKINS—The Kump House will honor its Centennial with a 100 Christmas Trees Celebration Sunday, December 21 and 28 from 1-3 p.m. at the historic home located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins. The extraordinary display will feature decorated trees of all different types and a magical train display. A traditional evergreen tree will be in the room where Santa will visit with young guests on December 21.

The display includes trees made of candy, ceramics, cloth, foil, glass, metal, paper, plastic and painted wood as well as traditional evergreens and holly trees both inside and outdoors. “Christmas trees have changed over the years, but we still see the magic of Christmas when we share them with others,” said Heather Biola, Director of the Kump Education Center.

“The oldest tree is an antique that family members remember seeing in the mid-1950s on the front hall table. The other Christmas trees have been discovered at the Kump House and in the homes of friends of family members as well as local charities and businesses,” she added.

The event serves as a capstone for the home’s Centennial. Construction of the Kump House was completed in 1925 for Gov. H.G. Kump, his wife Edna and their family. The Kump House represents an ideal home type of the early 20th century. Washington, D.C., architect Clarence L. Harding, produced plans for this substantial house in the Neo-Federal Revival style.

The house was built by a famed local contractor, T.R. Whiteman and was considered one of the largest, finest, and most modern residences of the city. The home was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and is now owned by the City of Elkins.

Most of the home will be available to tour and light refreshments will be served.

“We hope guests will enjoy the trees and support our efforts to secure the future for the Kump Education Center,” Biola said. While the event is free, donation are encouraged.

The Kump Education Center is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins (across from Kroger). Parking is available behind the Kump House with easy access on Seneca Road.

For more information, visit kumpeducationcenter.com or the Kump Education Center Facebook page.

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CUTLINE: Heather Biola, Kump Education Center director, starts decorating for the 100 Christmas Trees celebration at the historic Kump House in Elkins on Sunday, Dec. 21 and 28 from 1-3 p.m. Volunteer Debra Barsy assists in the background.

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KUMP CENTER TO HOST PRESENTATION ABOUT PAKISTAN

July 24, 2025

ELKINS—The Kump Education Center will host a presentation titled “Painted Trucks and Mountain Roads: A journey through Pakistan” on Monday, July 28 at 7p.m. The KEC is pleased to welcome back a returning lecturer, Nasra Adan. Nasra has nurtured a lifelong passion for travel, photography, and learning about different cultures.

“Recently, I had the opportunity to take an unforgettable family trip to Pakistan—a journey that was as vibrant and colorful as the country itself.”, said Adan.

“Our adventure took us from the capital city of Islamabad to the stunning valleys of Kashmir. The journey through the mountains was nothing short of magical. Pakistan’s visual palette is extraordinary. The colors of everyday life are vibrant and bold—from intricately painted trucks that are true moving works of art, to the traditional clothing that lights up every market and street. It felt like every corner held a story, every view a painting.”, said Adan.

Originally from Canada, Nasra has spent the past 25 years living and working across Asia and the Middle East. She, her husband, and their two young sons now reside in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Nasra teaches writing at a local university. Every summer, Nasra and her family return to Elkins, West Virginia, to spend time with her husband’s family—a tradition she cherishes and a place she has grown to love.

On Monday evening, Nasra will share stories and a PowerPoint presentation featuring photos of her trip to Pakistan. As she said, “This journey was more than a vacation—it was a deep, sensory exploration of culture, nature, and heritage.”

The Kump Education Center is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins (across from Kroger). Parking is located behind the Kump House with easy access off Seneca Road. The event is free and open to the public.