Date: March 9, 2024
Contact: Nanci Bross-Fregonara, Communications Director, Kump Education Center
ELKINS-The Kump Education Center, Elkins, is hosting the third Woodlands Heritage Lecture “Nature and the Economy in Appalachia” Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m. with Eriks Brolis, Director of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) of WV in the historic Kump House. This lecture is part of a series of monthly lectures supported by a grant from the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area and complements the current Wild, Wonderful Woods interpretive display at the Kump House.
Brolis will discuss the importance of nature-based economic development and TNC’s climate mitigation efforts in West Virginia.
“Nature is one of West Virginia’s greatest assets,” he said. “Our forests and rivers provide drinking water, clean air and outdoor adventures to millions of people in the eastern United States, and these incredible natural resources can contribute to securing a stable and diversified economic future for the Mountain State.”
He further noted: “We can sustain the extensive forests and rivers, and the services they provide to people, in ways that support the creation of much-needed, well-paying jobs. These revenue streams support state and local budgets, providing even basic municipal services. We can also expand opportunities for nature-based recreation for residents and tourists alike seeking rejuvenation in the great outdoors.”
The Woodlands Heritage Lecture Series focuses on the importance of the Appalachian Highlands forests, from the centuries-old bison trails to how it affects current and future West Virginia preservation and economic initiatives.
The final lecture in the series will be “From Coal Mine to Forest: The Mower Tract Revival” Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. with Kris Hennig, Partnership Coordinator, U.S. Forest Service.
The lectures are free and open to the public. Attendees will also be able to explore the historic Kump House and the Wild, Wonderful Woods exhibits. The Kump House is located at 401 Randolph Ave., Elkins (across from Kroger) with parking access in the rear accessible by Seneca Road.
For more information about the KEC, visit kumpeducationcenter.org, the Kump Education Center FB page or email kumpec@gmail.com. The AFNHA grants were made possible by National Heritage Area funding through the National Park Service.