By Marilyn Shoenfeld

As I sit by my window, gazing out at a brownish-green horse pasture, I can’t help but marvel at the unpredictability of the season. We’ve already weathered two blizzards, tallying over 30 inches of snow, yet it seems to melt away as quickly as it arrives. Who knows what the rest of this winter will bring?

This uncertainty mirrors the challenges we face as environmental advocates. In these times, we must come together, strengthening our collective voice and deepening our alliances. It’s a moment to prepare ourselves—not just mentally, but also with purpose and determination—for the challenges ahead. Threats to our air, water, forests, parks, and other natural resources are not just persistent; they are proliferating.

We’ve stood together to defend our environment in the past, and now it’s time to do even more. Every one of us has a role to play. This is no time to wait for others to act—we all must step forward. Whether it’s sharing your thoughts, engaging through social media, participating in our committees, or providing financial support, your involvement is vital. We’ll be sharing more ways for you to help in the coming months because every effort counts, and every member of our community is needed.

As the year winds down, let’s also remember to embrace the beauty and joy of the season. From all of us at the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy, we wish you a warm, happy holiday filled with peace, purpose, and—if you’re lucky—a cat!

Thank you for being part of this journey and for everything you do to protect the places we all hold dear. Together, we will continue to make a difference.