The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources received the Forks of Coal State Natural Area in the fall of 2015 as a donation from Jack Workman on behalf of himself and his late wife Claudia L. Workman. The facility is located in Alum Creek on 102 acres of land that borders US Rt. 119 (Corridor G) on the southern and eastern sides and extends north to the confluence of the Big Coal and Little Coal Rivers, forming the triangular shaped property.
What We Have to Offer
The Natural Area currently has three miles of trails and includes three new connecting trails, interpretive signage and outdoor exhibits. The flora, fauna, geologic and Coal River history are available all year long throughout the trails. Keep an eye out for environmental education days throughout the year where we host family friendly outdoor events.
The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center is NOW OPEN with free admission to the public. The Wildlife Education Center is home to exhibits to help visitors learn about West Virginia’s native wildlife including conservation, game management, forestry, stream restoration and how to identify native plants and animals. Visitors to the center can learn about some of our state’s wildlife success stories and what they can do to improve the health of wildlife populations at home.
Buy a Brick, Build a Legacy
Contribute to the Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center and the Forks of Coal Natural Area by purchasing a personalized brick to make your name or the memory of a loved one a permanent part of the Wildlife Education Center. If you would like to order a brick, please visit: www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/forksofcoal
About Our Partnership with the Forks of Coal Foundation
In 2016, the Forks of Coal State Natural Area Foundation was established to work with the WV DNR, to preserve, protect and enhance the Forks of Coal State Natural Area. Together, we built The Claudia L. Workman Wildlife Education Center. The Foundation was instrumental in securing an Abandon Mine Lands grant to cover the cost of constructing the exhibits for the Education Center. The Foundation has also been spearheading trail development as well as enhancing wildlife demonstration areas such as installation of a pollinator field and construction and installation of a Chimney Swift tower.
Hours of Operation
Sunday-Closed
Monday-Closed
Tuesday-9:00a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Wednesday-9:00a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Thursday-9:00a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Friday-9:00a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Saturday-9:00a.m.— 4:30p.m.
Contact
(304) 915-8028