Blackwater or BUST?

After driving three and half hours in a billboard for mountains (Judy Rodd’s bumperstickered car), we arrived at Blackwater Canyon. I’ve been there before but only to see the falls.

First, we got to lodge and met "The Butterfly Guy." His name is Tom Allen. From there, we went to a marshy-like site under power lines to look for the two-spotted skipper. I was still drugged up on Dramamine so I wasn’t too enthusiastic, especially after seeing a snake slither into the area we were going to be walking. It turned out to be very interesting though. I’ve never walked through grass that is almost as tall as me. Khanh, Allan, Judy, and I searched for the butterflies together while Tom went his way. We caught all types of skippers – Dunn, European, Delaware, and Two-spotted. I never knew there were so many types of Skippers and by one mark you could tell if it was male or female. Tom caught the female he was looking for, while we caught a few males and other skippers. He’s going to keep them over winter at the Department of Natural Resources office as part of the Friends of Blackwater Butterfly protection project.

Next, we went to see the falls. Now that is breathtaking! I could just sit there for hours and listen to the water pounding down on the rocks below. You can also see the natural brown color of the water and know why it’s called Blackwater Canyon.

After that, we went to Lindy Point. We had to walk on this trail that seemed to go on forever to get to the jagged rocks. But as you walk out of the bushes,... BAM ...the whole canyon is right in front of you. It’s gorgeous. In Judy’s words, the mountains seemed to be embracing like arms on a human. As far as the eye could see, it was beautiful trees and rushing water beneath. Judy explained to us what the loggers wanted to do and where it was taking place.

After seeing Blackwater, I’m not sure why anybody would want to log it. In my mind, it seems so idiotic and selfish. Taking away beauty and habitats all for money. This trip has made me more passionate and eager to save it.

I’m sure everyone has seen pictures, but it’s nothing like the real thing; being there is so spectacular. I wish I could stay there longer next time. There are so many things to do there; Bike, hike, kayak, canoe, run, and fish. I hope everyone that reads this can see why we should work together and save Blackwater. This means, get the word out and become active in saving it. Don’t let this crown jewel become tarnished.

I recall coming into a small office on Elizabeth Street not knowing what I should expect from this organization that was titled Friends of Blackwater Canyon. It was the last day of my junior year at Wesleyan and I had not even had time to settle in at home. I dropped by to see what this potential job had to offer....and what I might offer it.

I soon found that in a short three months, I could help expand the support for saving the Canyon, and also promote growth within myself. The days in the office were spent organizing events across the state and finding volunteers to get to those events and promote our cause. That meant a good deal of calling, letter writing, and delegating. The first two skills I was familiar with, but managing people wasn’t something I knew how to do.

Another assignment was given to me; create and distribute collection jars that would be used to gather donations for Friends of Blackwater Canyon. The creativity began to roll and I ran with it. Once the design for the jar was drawn out, the next step was to make it. Of course I could never have done it on my own, so again with the gracious help of volunteers, we pieced together an eye-catching piece of art! As new volunteers strolled into our office, I had to direct the making of over 30 displays.

Odds and ends fell into my lap as the summer continued. I found myself going to events to speak to people about the "Crown Jewel" we are trying to save and also learning more about the issue. Mall displays have been created and taken to malls throughout West Virginia. We also achieved more organization in the office, increased the membership in our database, and my personal favorite organizational accomplishment...creating a rolodex of important contacts!

Through it all I laughed with my young co-worker, stressed over projects, fought with our old laser printer (we named him Berton), and smiled at the beautiful work we achieved. Saving Blackwater Canyon is a wonderful fight and I am proud to have been a part of it. Now, returning for my final year at Wesleyan, I will continue to support Blackwater til the battle is won. I hope all of you continue that support as well because it is needed so very much. Go see the Canyon, become motivated, and next time you see the collection jars that I spent my summer working on, know that you can make a difference too!

Judy Rodd’s comments: Khanh (20) and Carrie (15) served as Interns in the summer office of the Save the Blackwater Canyon Campaign for me. Both Khanh and Carrie live in Charleston. They worked really hard organizing a network of volunteers from around the state to help Friends of Blackwater save the Canyon. These volunteers took Blackwater petitions to bike races, fairs, festivals, musical events and malls. Carrie and Khahn also contacted green businesses and got donation jars and petitions placed in 20 businesses.