Published: April 26, 2008 06:46 pm         

Full slate of interpretive programs open to public at pristine area in Aurora

Cathedral State Park has a full line of outdoor activities this spring that are open to the public. “We’re encouraging exploration of the natural wonders at this pristine area of West Virginia,’’ says Park Ranger Mike Powell.

Cathedral State Forest is a special place for people and nature to meet. An ancient hemlock forest of majestic proportions, Cathedral is one of the last living commemorations of the vast virgin hemlock forest that once flourished in the Appalachian highlands. Trees up to 90 feet in height and 21 feet in circumference form cloisters in the park. Throughout the woods, eastern hemlock is the dominant species.

Cathedral’s events include:

• April 27 — 8 a.m. — Spring bird walk. Casey Rucker from Dry Fork will lead a bird walk through Cathedral State Park looking at early breeding birds and spring migrants. Meet at park office, 1.5 hours, moderate walking.

Tree Identification. Park Ranger Mike Powell will lead a walk through Cathedral State Park where participants will learn how to use keys and field guides to learn proper identification of tree species. Meet at park office, 1.5 hours, easy walking. This activity begins at 2 p.m.

• May 11 — 8 a.m. — Spring Bird Walk. Casey Rucker from Dry Fork will lead a bird walk through Cathedral State Park looking at early breeding birds and spring migrants. Meet at park office, 1.5 hours, moderate walking.

Evergreen plants and spring harbingers. Leah Ceperley from Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge will lead this walk of Cathedral State Park exploring evergreen plants and spring wildflowers. Meet at lower parking lot, 1.5 hours, moderate walking. This activity begins at 1 p.m.

• June 1 — 1 p.m. — National Trails Day. In celebration of National Trails Day, the day will be spent hiking the majority of the trails found within Cathedral State Park. The hike will take approximately three hours and will cover five miles. Meet at lower parking lot, moderate walking.

Participants hiking at state parks and forest on a National Trails Day even may log hikes miles and submit to be part of the National Trails Day event. Participants who submit mileage will receive a certificate and a hiking reward. Log cards and information will be available at all state parks and forests.

Cathedral State Park consists of 133 acres in Preston County in Northeastern West Virginia. The region is hilly to mountainous, but the park is located on rather gently sloping ground with an elevation varying from 2,460 to 2,620 feet. More than 170 species of vascular flora have been catalogued; to include nine species of fern, three club moss, more than 30 tree species (17 broad leaf) and more than 50 species of wildflowers.

Cathedral State Park is located on U.S. Route 50 near Aurora, approximately five miles west of Red House, Md. Looking at a map, Cathedral is between Cranesville Swamp and Canaan Valley.

For more information about facilities and activities at Cathedral State Park, contact cathedralsp@wvdnr.gov or call (304) 735-3771. Events and activities for all West Virginia State Parks and Forests are online at www.wvstateparks.com. Cathedral events are free of charge and open to the public.