Posts in History
Flooded Gardens: Produce Safety is Key

Many of us watched in horror as flood waters ravaged communities around West Virginia over the last week or so. The flooding has been devastating with lives lost, homes lost and memories washed away. This flood will have an effect on many of our communities for years to come.

As the waters recede and clean-up efforts continue, there’s one area of concern that many may not have thought of: the safety of garden produce in flooded areas.

Read More
What are Invasive Species?

On Monday Bea Corra from Parkersburg shared a picture of a plant on our Facebook page wanting to know what type of plant it was and whether it was invasive or harmful.  I instantly had a flashback to August 2005 when I was studying Plant Taxonomy at Marshall University.  The plant (right) is Japanese Knotweed, an invasive species.  I also remember Dr. Evans’s advice for getting rid of it … “sell your house”.  This week, we’re going to take a look at what makes a plant invasive and some of the most common in our region.

Read More
The Legend of Stingy Jack

Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world. Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns” originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.

Read More