West Virginia Land Trust

The West Virginia Land Trust is a statewide conservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting West Virginia’s natural lands, scenic areas, water quality, and recreational access forever.

WVLT protects special places -- land with significant conservation values representative of the unique natural legacy and identity in West Virginia -- through the use of conservation easements and real estate acquisitions. WVLT is proud to partner with people who want to protect and perpetuate that legacy and identity, engaging a statewide network of partner organizations to build and support a passionate land conservation movement in the state.

Since 1995, the organization has permanently protected more than 9,000 acres of land throughout West Virginia.

West Virginia’s identity is rooted in the outdoors and its resources.  As an organization, West Virginia Land Trust seeks projects with meaningful and lasting benefits that reflect the needs of West Virginia, such as protecting drinking water sources, creating recreational opportunities, conserving wildlife habitat, promoting local food production, preserving historic and cultural sites, engaging youth and community groups, and supporting scientific research. 

WVLT currently owns and maintains 12 unique nature preserves around the state, including the 320-acre Tom's Run Nature Preserve outside Morgantown, which features over 2 miles of public access hiking trails, with more on the way. WVLT is in the process of developing public access and trail systems on 5 preserves over the next four years.  

Volunteer opportunities with WVLT cover a wide range of potential activities, including trail construction and maintenance, invasive species removal, fundraising and event support, and office work.