daily304 - Episode 09.20.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 20 

What’s that buzz we’re hearing? It’s the WV Honey Bee Trail!...the 2024 WV Wildlife Calendar is here -- order yours today…and you’ll be seeing stars at Watoga State Park’s Dark Sky party…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL – It’s the sweetest trail around! The West Virginia Honey Bee Trail is is an interactive way for locals and visitors to connect with the state’s beekeepers and honey distributors. 

The trail was created by the Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the Monongalia County Beekeepers Association and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. From historical sites to flower farms and local markets, each stop offers an experience that goes beyond honey tasting. 

“The honey industry is one piece of the toolkit that sets our destination apart from others,” said Maggie Parsons, agritourism and marketing specialist for the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. “Through this collaboration, we get to celebrate the wonders of local honey and give well-deserved recognition to the pollinators that sustain the industry.”

Download the Visit Mountaineer Country Trip Planner App -- available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store -- then go to “Day Trips” to find the Honey Trail map and begin planning your journey.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/learn-how-honey-gets-from-the-hive-to-your-table-on-the-wv-honey-bee/article_c04124e3-4e30-5770-b67a-ddf7552c2c72.html

#2 – From WVDNR –  Good news! The 2024 West Virginia Wildlife Calendar is now available to purchase online at WVstateparks.com.

“If you’re a hunter, angler, outdoor enthusiast or someone who just loves the natural beauty and goodness of West Virginia, our award-winning wildlife calendar is the best calendar you can buy,” said Brett McMillion, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. “Our staff has been working hard all year to make this year’s calendar extra special and we can’t wait for folks to get their hands on a copy.”

The popular calendar features beautiful paintings of state animals, important hunting and fishing dates, peak wildlife activity times and articles that will help people get the most out of their outdoor adventures in 2024.

To order your calendar, visit www.wvstateparks.com and click on “Merchandise” in the top right corner. The calendars are also available for purchase at select state parks and various local businesses.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/2024-west-virginia-wildlife-calendar-now-available-to-purchase/

#3 – From WOAY-TV – It’s time to turn out the lights -- the second annual dark sky party is returning to Watoga State Park.

The event takes place Sept. 22, with Sept. 24 scheduled as the make-up date. There will be several telescopes available, as well as activities for kids.

Watoga State Park is one of three certified dark sky paths in the state, and Pocahontas County has the darkest skies out of all of the mid-Atlantic states.

“Light pollution affects humans and animals as well as plant life,” said Louanne Fatora, vice-president of the Watoga State Park Foundation. “Even the wondrous synchronous fireflies that exist at Watoga are a protected species and having dark skies is vital for their continued survival.”

To learn more about Watoga or book a cabin or campsite, visit www.wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://woay.com/watoga-state-park-to-hold-dark-sky-party/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.