Appalachian Forest Discovery Summit

September 17-18, 2026 | 50 Roundhouse Way, Elkins, West Virginia

The Appalachian Forest Discovery Summit is an annual event that brings together stakeholders who share an interest in the unique natural and cultural resources centered on the highland forests of WV and western Maryland that make our region significant. Our goal is to foster collaboration, share best practices, and inspire new ideas for the continued support and growth of our region.

Join us at The Railyard Event and Conference Center in Elkins for discussions on forest heritage and presentations from our partners on their exciting work in our region on September 17th, and enjoy tours of significant locations in Randolph County on September 18th.

A limited number of free or discounted registrations are available for Formal Partners, National Service members, and needs based applicants. Please apply below for a Promo Code.

If you would like to sponsor a participant, please reach out to afnha@afnha.org to find out how.

Speakers

Rev. Martha McGill - Appalachian Stories: Writers of our Mountain Home
The Rev. Martha Macgill is an episcopal priest with over 30 years of ministry from Virginia to South Africa to Maryland, retiring fro Emmanuel Church in Cumberland, Maryland. She is now co-owner of Lily Books and Cafe, Cumberland, Maryland's new independent bookstore located on Baltimore Street in revitalized downtown Cumberland. She is on the board of AFNHA and loves making her home in the woods of Allegany County with her husband, dog and cat, gardening on her forest hillside and reading on her screened porch.

Mike Jones - Under the Hood: Behind the scenes of advocacy and science for sustainable recreation
Mike Jones serves as the Conservation Manager for West Virginia Rivers Coalition, including the advocacy work for non-motorized recreation in our public lands. Mike has made numerous presentations online and in person, including Advocacy 101 trainings (multiple times online), and in person presentations on recreation and advocacy at the WV Highlands Conservancy Fall Festival and at Forest and Water symposiums. Mike serves on the Board of AFNHA; and as the WV Rivers representative on the Boards for WV Highlands and the WV Environmental Council. Mike is an Adjunct Instructor at West Virginian University, teaching classes including Introduction to American Government and Constitutional Law.

Joshua Higginbotham - From Passion to Policy: How Organizations & Advocates Can Shape Outcomes at Every Level of Government
This fast-paced, interactive session is designed specifically for executive directors, board members, staff, and volunteers of preservation nonprofits, Main Street programs, landmark commissions, CVBs, and heritage tourism organizations. Attendees will leave with a complete advocacy toolkit they can begin using the day they return home.

Appalachian Forest AmeriCorps - Extending Capacity with National Service
Learn about the AF AmeriCorps program. Over our 18 year history, AFNHA AmeriCorps Members have served hundreds of organizations in our region helping them do more with less. Become acquainted with a few samples of what AmeriCorps can bring to your mission, and how it benefits the members who serve. Meet the 2026 AF AmeriCorps cohort and sign up to provide experience and skill building to your very own AmeriCorps service member.

Additional speakers will be announced soon.

Thursday, September 17
Conference at The Railyard Event and Conference Center

8:30 AM: Registration

9:00: Opening remarks & Membership Meeting

9:30-10:45: Sessions I & II

11:00 - 12:15: Sessions III & IV

12:30: Lunch

1:30 - 2:45: Sessions V & VI

2:45 - 4:00: Sessions VII & VIII

4:30: Close of Summit

5:00 - 6:30: AFNHA Fall/Summer Board Meeting

6:30: Reception at the Darden Mill

Friday, September 18
Randolph County Tours
Additional tour locations announced soon!

Conference Lunch Options

Classic Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine topped with shredded Parmesan cheese, homemade croutons, and grilled chicken breast. Served with traditional Caesar dressing.

Chicken Scoop Salad – House-made chicken salad on a bed of fresh spinach, garnished with candied pecans, sliced Granny Smith apples, cubes of sharp cheddar cheese, and grapes. Served with balsamic vinaigrette.

Grilled Chicken Salad – Mixed greens laced with shredded cheddar cheese, sliced cucumber, grape tomatoes, shredded carrots, homemade croutons, and grilled chicken breast. Served with ranch dressing.

Smoked Turkey – Shaved hickory smoked turkey breast with provolone cheese, served with green leaf lettuce and sliced tomato on Wheat Berry bread. Mayonnaise and yellow mustard packets on the side.

Honey Ham – Thinly sliced honey ham with Swiss cheese, served with green leaf lettuce and sliced tomato on wheat bread. Mayonnaise and yellow mustard packets on the side.

Chicken Salad Croissant – House-made chicken salad served on a freshly baked croissant with green leaf lettuce and sliced tomato.

Vegetarian and gluten-free option available and coming soon