West Virginia Members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition Gather to Reflect on 2025

West Virginia members of the Choose Clean Water Coalition gathered on November 18, 2025 in Shepherdstown, WV to discuss a recap of the collaboration and hard work they have accomplished over the past year. There were 25 members in attendance throughout the day, representing 18 different member organizations.

Maria Russo 1/6/25 Maria Russo 1/6/25

Member Highlight: Safe Water Conservation Collaborative

For this Member Highlight, the Coalition's West Virginia State Lead, Maria Russo, interviews Alyssa Murray, Manager of Land Conservation at the Potomac Conservancy and Coordinator for the Safe Water Conservation Collaborative. Their edited conversation follows.

Maria Russo 10/23/24 Maria Russo 10/23/24

Member Highlight: Town Run Watershed Group

The Town Run Watershed Group was officially started in 2023, following the announcement that the Potomac River would be mixed with the Town Run, to serve as the town of Shepherdstown's drinking water source.

Maria Russo 5/29/24 Maria Russo 5/29/24

Member Highlight: Cacapon and Lost Rivers Land Trust

For this Member Highlight, the Coalition’s West Virginia State Lead, Maria Russo, interviews Emily Warner, Executive Director of the Cacapon & Lost Rivers Land Trust. Their edited conversation follows.

Kara Siglin 1/23/24 Kara Siglin 1/23/24

Clean Water Profile: Maria Russo

For this Clean Water Profile, West Virginia Rivers Coalition’s Clean Water Campaign Coordinator Maria Russo weighs in on the joys and challenges of her work, de-centering from the now, and finding her way home. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Maria Russo 12/13/23 Maria Russo 12/13/23

Member Highlight: Elks Run Watershed Group

In this member highlight, the Coalition’s West Virginia State Lead, Maria Russo, sits down with Steve Paradis, a Public Works Administrator for Harpers Ferry and member of Elks Run Watershed Group. The following was edited for length and clarity.

Jenna Dodson 9/21/22 Jenna Dodson 9/21/22

Medicine Waters: The Cacapon River

Friends of the Cacapon River (FCR), a West Virginia Choose Clean Water Coalition member, recognizes the importance of preserving, protecting and promoting the river. Tim Reese, president of FCR, describes the role of the volunteer-run organization to “create river advocates by connecting people to the river.”

Kristin Reilly 8/17/20 Kristin Reilly 8/17/20

Finding Peace in Nature: Cool Spring Nature Preserve in West Virginia

With the heat of the summer coming on and the pandemic still in full swing, many families have been spending a lot of time together, most often indoors. But there is so much to explore outside in nature and it is a great way to stay healthy and possibly sane.

Drew Robinson 1/23/20 Drew Robinson 1/23/20

The Chesapeake WILD (and Wonderful) Act

Eastern brook trout, American eels, and countless others, are part of West Virginia’s natural heritage. More than that, they are a vital part of our economy. But these species and their habitat won't be here forever, not without our help.