eco and educational tourism

That is a refreshing thought:It is a reasonable idea with a possibility of becoming a reality.( I notice that so many good ideas never get beyond the suggestion stage).
Another thought: Include the Ambrose Bierce connection with Durbin and Bartow as well as the walking tour of the Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike.Ask St. Marks to post a sign on the portion of the pike that is parallel to the church. Then , there is the unusual forest growth on Cheat, just out of Durbin that is scientifically noteworthy. I heard a forester describe it once, but I do not recall many details.
I hope forum readers will present other attractions for both visitors and local residents.

I think Freeholder has a very good idea with the walking tour of the Staunton Parkersburg Turnpike. It seems to me that it would be relatively low cost as much of it is on public right of way. Many people that come to Durbin to ride the train have time to kill, and end up wandering around trying to find something to do. We are a family of snowbirds [ 3 households] that settled in this area because of the abundance of eco and historical pastimes to explore. Advertise more to the mature eco / history tourist. When most people think of hiking in WV they picture young fit people climbing mountains, not my 75 yr. old father and I walking up old rail beds to the top of the mountains with ease.

I finally met with Dr. Faulk and Dean Griffith of New River Community College yesterday. They were very interested in expanding the presence of the college in Pocahontas County. High School students can already earn some college credits while at PCHS and we have begun the LPN nursing program. Also Mike Holstine from NRAO expressed some interest in developing a machine shop program after hours at the observatory using their wonderful mechanical equipment. Tourism courses can include and earn college environmental life science credits and there is a ready educational market in Elder Hostel programs coming to the county for study and vacation mix. So the door is wide open. I/d like very much to hear from everyone on this concept to develope real courses for visitors and residents alike in our many living class rooms.