America's Wildest Places - Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia

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• published: 07 Dec 2013
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Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia, the nation's 500th was established on August 11, 1994. The refuge encompassing 16,550 acres works to preserve the unique wetlands and uplands of this high elevation, moist valley. The valley's high elevation and position in the Allegheny Mountains combine to create a cool, moist climate. Visitors enjoy the Refuge's snowy winters, cool summers and the expansive views looking over grasslands and wetlands. This climate supports species, like balsam fir, cottongrass, woodcock and fisher usually found far north of here. Many plants and animals are near their southern limits amidst the valley's rugged beauty. Rare species abound in the high elevation wetlands. The refuge is home to 580 species of plants and 288 different animals; quite a diversity of life. The combination of wetlands, forests, shrub lands and old fields throughout the valley provides a diversity of wildlife habitat. In these habitats, animals such as deer, raccoon, geese and squirrel are easy to see. Others such as mink, bobcat and barred owls stay hidden most of the time. Beavers use trees to build dams, altering water levels to suit their needs. Woodcock treat us to their breeding display in spring. Elusive turkey and ruffed grouse provide a challenge for hunters. Along with native brook trout, you will also find other species of trout and bass in the Blackwater River and its tributaries. WETLANDS There are relatively few places in West Virginia where ducks call, herons fly, and shorebirds probe the earth for food. Canaan Valley is such a place. Mallards, black ducks and wood ducks nest in the marshes. Solitary and spotted sandpipers are found wherever a small pocket of wetlands exist. Timid herons and snipe squawk in alarm and fly when encountered. Frogs and salamanders mate in the vernal pools. These are among the many animals you may find in Canaan Valley's wetlands. A patchwork of 23 wetland types, including bogs, shrub swamps and wet meadows, carpet the valley floor. At about 8,500 acres, this is the largest wetland complex in the state of West Virginia, and is a regionally significant wetland complex within the southern Appalachians. Currently, 5,573 acres of these wetlands are part of the refuge. The ecological functions of wetlands provide valuable services to people. Wetlands absorb water like a sponge, slowing it down during heavy storms, thereby reducing downstream flooding. FORESTS Forests of beech, cherry, birch and maple cover the slopes of the mountains and add color to the fall. Scattered stands of spruce, balsam fir and hemlock remind us of the boreal forest that once dominated the valley. Squirrels, ruffed grouse, turkey and bear make their homes in these woodlands. Hermit thrush, ovenbirds and woodland warblers also find their place here. A large diversity of salamanders find their niches in these and other Appalachian woodlands. Canaan Valley's forests harbor the threatened Cheat Mountain salamander found in areas with spruce forest cover. Endangered Indiana Bats may be found along the stream corridors. GRASSLANDS Grasslands are important for the wildlife that they hold, particularly grassland birds. Savannah, field and grasshopper sparrows, bobolink and meadowlark are a few of the species using the refuge's grassland management areas. Grassland habitat is in decline nationwide. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works to conserve these birds, in accordance with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, here and at other refuges. Grasslands are also important during the winter months. They provide hunting areas for rough-legged hawks and migrating northern harriers. The short vegetation allows raptors access to the small mammals who also call grasslands their home. TRAVEL & TOURISM Tourists may enjoy the refuge by participating in wildlife-dependent recreation, including wildlife observation and photography, hunting, fishing, environmental education and interpretive programs. Parking and trail maps are available at all trail heads. With the help of The Friends of the 500th, the refuge offers a regular schedule of programs and tours. Hours: The refuge is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. CONTACT AND DIRECTIONS The Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge visitor center and headquarters are located on SR 32 at: 6263 Appalachian Hwy Davis, WV 26260 304-866-3858 canaanvalley@fws.gov From Davis, WV: Take SR 32 S approximately 8 mi. on the right. From Harman, WV: Take SR 32 N approximately 9 mi on the left Yaroooh! for Kids | News - Magazine http://www.Yaroooh.com https://www.youtube.com/user/YarooohForKids