Are you passionate about our National Heritage Area, its history and heritage? Do you have insights, experiences, or research you're eager to share with a dynamic audience? We invite you to submit a proposal to present at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Summit!
Letters of Support Needed for NHA Program
Dear friends of AFNHA,
We are writing to you today with gratitude for your unwavering support and cooperation with the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA). Your dedication is the bedrock of our organization. Together, we have built a living testament to the spirit of Appalachia, touching countless lives.
The proposed federal budget for FY 2026 threatens to zero out funding for the National Heritage Area Program, a move that would devastate the cultural preservation, educational programming, and vital community engagement initiatives. Imagine the silence where once there were vibrant Discovery Center exhibits, and the absence of our dedicated AmeriCorps members. These--and other AFNHA programs--are the heartbeats of our communities, the legacies we are striving to protect for future generations.
Beyond the profound cultural and social impact, these proposed cuts pose an existential threat to the economic vitality we have worked so hard to cultivate. National Heritage Areas are proven economic engines, returning an average of $5.50 for every $1 of federal investment. We've seen how a comparable NHA in West Virginia generates $207 million in annual economic impact, supporting over 2,700 jobs, and contributing millions in tax revenue. Eliminating our funding would not only halt our ability to leverage substantial non-federal funds and provide crucial subgrants to local organizations, but it would also jeopardize jobs, diminish tourism revenue, and cripple the local businesses we support.
This is why your immediate action in sending this letter of support is so vital. It is a powerful statement that we stand united to protect the livelihoods, heritage, and future of National Heritage Areas, including AFNHA. Your voice can ensure that our shared vision for a thriving, culturally rich Appalachia continues to flourish.
Below is a sample letter for your federal legislators, along with their contact information. Or click here for an editable word doc that you may download. We encourage you though, to write your own with your unique perspective and reflections regarding the way AFNHA has touched your life or organization. Please let us know at larry@afnha.org when you respond, preferably by attaching a copy of your letter.
Thank you for helping to keep history growing at AFNHA!
Contact Information for West Virginia and Maryland U.S. Representatives and Senators:
West Virginia
The Hon. Shelley Moore Capito
170 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-6472 www.capito.senate.gov
The Hon. Jim Justice
SD-G12 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
202-224-3954 www.justice.senate.gov
Congresswoman Carol Miller
1605 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-3452 https://miller.house.gov
Congressman Riley Moore
1337 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2711 https://rileymoore.house.gov/
Maryland
The Hon. Chris Van Hollen
730 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4654 www.vanhollen.senate.gov
The Hon. Angela D. Alsobrooks
B40E Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-4524 senator.alsobrooks.senate.gov
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney, Esq.
1130 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-2721 https://mcclaindelaney.house.gov/
SAMPLE LETTER:
The Honorable [ ]
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator or Representative [ ],
I am writing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 federal budget cuts impacting the National Park System (NPS), specifically the National Heritage Area (NHA) Program. We urgently request your unwavering support in maintaining level funding for all National Heritage Areas during the ongoing budget process. NHAs are vital economic engines and community catalysts, fostering sustainable development through local partnerships and resource leverage. These proposed adjustments threaten to undermine critical contributions, jeopardizing years of progress in regional prosperity and cultural stewardship.
The National Heritage Area Program offers a highly cost-effective approach for the National Park Service to preserve and share America's stories. Operating through decentralized, grassroots coordination with local partners, NHAs leverage federal investment for regional economic development without federal land ownership or new regulations. NHAs consistently generate an average of $5.50 for every $1 of federal investment. Any funding reduction would forgo a much larger pool of leveraged capital and associated economic activity, leading to a net loss of investment and growth. This flexible, adaptive approach, tailored to local needs, is threatened by proposed budget reductions, potentially stifling vital local initiatives.
Our local National Heritage Area, the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) profoundly impacts regional economies and community well-being. Like other NHAs, AFNHA significantly contributes to job creation, local government revenue, and community sustainability.3 For instance, the National Coal Heritage Area (NCHA), a comparable NHA, annually generates $207 million in economic impact, supporting 2,744 jobs, and contributing $16.8 million in tax revenue, primarily driven by tourism. AFNHA actively expands tourism through initiatives like the Highlands Creative Economy, which received a new $197,000 private local grant from the Benedum Foundation in 2024 to promote the region as a tourist destination. AFNHA also directly supports local businesses, integrating them into the heritage tourism economy.
In the 2023-2024 service year, AFNHA supported 34 AmeriCorps members across 20 partner organizations, whose projects were visited by 39,860 individuals, delivered educational programs to over 5,000 individuals, improved 1,052 acres of public land, and managed 1,501 hours of volunteer service. These initiatives strengthen local identity, foster a sense of place, and build robust community capacity, serving as a crucial anchor for resilience in often economically challenged Appalachian regions. Cutting funding would undermine this vital human infrastructure.
The administration's budget proposal includes severe reductions directly threatening the National Park System and National Heritage Areas. It outlines a $900.5 million, or 31%, cut to the Operation of the National Park System (ONPS), potentially leading to over 4,500 staff losses. It proposes zeroing out the National Heritage Area Program, slashing historic preservation grants, reducing National Recreation and Preservation by 86.6%. For AFNHA and its counterparts, eliminating the program would be catastrophic. The requested $33.5 million in annual funding for FY 25-26 (approximately $500,000 per NHA) is the foundational federal appropriation fund. Without it, AFNHA's capacity to leverage substantial non-federal funds would be severely undermined, crippling its ability to distribute vital subgrants and execute heritage projects. The ripple effects would include significant job losses, diminished tourism revenue, and curtailed educational and cultural programming, reversing years of progress. Many NHAs are in rural, economically challenged regions where these programs are vital economic stimulants. Losing this funding would exacerbate disparities and damage trust, undermining the NHA program's success.
In light of these profound benefits, we respectfully urge our elected representatives to champion level funding for the National Heritage Area Program in the FY 25-26 federal budget. This means supporting the requested $33.5 million appropriation for Fiscal Year 2026. Investing in National Heritage Areas is not just an expenditure; it is a proven, highly effective catalyst for economic development, job creation, cultural preservation, and enhanced community well-being across the nation. Continued support will enable NHAs to persist in their vital work, delivering significant returns for constituents and safeguarding our shared heritage for generations to come.
As a supporter of NHAs, and especially the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, I am grateful for your time and consideration of this critical matter.
Sincerely,
[Name]
AFNHA Seeks to Complete the Rehabilitation of its Historic Darden Mill
AmeriCorps Updates
We are extremely saddened by the termination of several other AmeriCorps programs in West Virginia and many more nationwide. These losses of funding have affected many partner organizations within our region. While our own AmeriCorps program has been unaffected and AFNHA remains fully operational, we mourn these losses and expect serious consequences for our communities.
Discovery Center Unveils New Exhibit Exploring Caves and Karst Landscapes
How do ancient seashells impact the water that you drink? How do bats save farmers billions of dollars a year? The answers lie underground. Discover them for yourself at the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center’s exciting new exhibit! The museum will celebrate the grand opening of its 2025 season on Saturday, May 17th from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a special presentation at 1:00 p.m.
The immersive exhibit, “Beneath Our Feet: The Hidden World of Caves and Karst,” sheds light on the important role and multitude of caves within the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA). Expect to find a replica cave with a simulated crawl space for the daring, interpretive panels for the curious, and unique artifacts that reveal how karst landscapes and cave ecosystems support drinking water supplies, agriculture, and biodiversity.
Karst landscapes—formed by the dissolution of soluble rock—cover about 20% of the U.S. and provide nearly 40% of the nation’s drinking water. In the AFNHA region, those numbers are even higher. Caves, a signature feature of karst terrain, host fragile and unique ecosystems that support biodiversity, agriculture, and clean water far beyond their walls.
The Appalachian Forest Discovery Center is located in the Darden Mill at 101 Railroad Ave, Elkins, and is open to the public with free admission Thursdays through Sundays through the end of October.
New for the 2025 season, the Discovery Center will feature regular hands-on activities and educational programs. Watch the AFNHA website and AFDC Facebook page for updates on these “Discovery Time” programs. If your organization would like to schedule a Discovery Time activity for learners of all ages at the AF Discovery Center, please reach out to Jeffrey Pryor at jeffrey@afnha.org or 304-636-6182.
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area conserves, interprets, and promotes forest heritage to enhance landscapes and communities in the highlands of West Virginia and Maryland. AFNHA works with partners to accomplish this through community development, conservation, celebrating cultural heritage, and creating opportunities for transformational experiences. To learn more, see www.appalachianforestnha.org. AFNHA is a member of the National Heritage Area System.
Free Screening of "O Pioneer"
AFNHA Remains Committed to Serving Our Community
Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) understands that recent news and rumors regarding funding cuts to AmeriCorps and other programs may be causing concern within our community. We want to assure our current and prospective participants, partners, and supporters that AFNHA remains fully operational and committed to its mission.
We are aware of some specific programs that have been cut in West Virginia. While changes are occurring at the state and national level, we want to be clear that our local operations have not been affected at this time. We are in regular communication with our funding agencies and are actively working to understand the implications for West Virginia organizations.
Our priority is the well-being and success of our participants. We understand that uncertainty can be unsettling, and we want to emphasize our unwavering dedication to providing full support to our Partner Sites and AmeriCorps members. Our track record of support to the central Appalachian forest - its history, culture, natural resources, and forest heritage - speaks to our stability and effectiveness. We will maintain our focus on cultural heritage, conservation, and tourism to support rural community development in western Maryland and the highlands of West Virginia.
We encourage individuals to rely on official communications from AFNHA for accurate information about our programs. We are committed to transparency and will communicate directly with our stakeholders should any changes occur that impact our local operations.
In the meantime, we are enthusiastically continuing our recruitment efforts and look forward to welcoming new Site Partners and AmeriCorps members who will benefit from the opportunities our programs provide. And we are currently exploring how we as an organization can support related projects within our region that have been disrupted. We believe in the power of partnerships and communication across geographic lines and interest areas, with diverse and open participation, and remain confident in our ability to deliver on our promises.
We appreciate the continued trust and support of our community. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at (304) 636-6182, or afnha@afnha.org.
Take Action:
Contact your Members of Congress by email or phone using the outreach tools provided by Voices for National Service, or contribute your service year story to help showcase why we need AmeriCorps.
Donate to the national emergency assistance fund for AmeriCorps members
Related Links:
Learn more about our individual AmeriCorps members and how they are serving their sites and communities. In our 2023-24 member service year, we supported 34 AmeriCorps members at 20 organizations whose sites, programs, and activities were visited by 39,860 individuals. These members delivered educational programs to an audience of over 5,000 individuals, treated and improved 1,052 acres of public land, and managed 1,501 hours of volunteer service.
In 2024, AmeriCorps programs produced federal funding and local project support totalling $31,089,477 in Maryland and $20,808,549 in West Virginia.
Follow America’s Service Commissions and Service Year for the latest news and updates on AmeriCorps.
Find Updates & FAQs for Executive Actions Impacting Nonprofits from WV Nonprofit Association.
See interactive maps with data on policy, funding, and workforce changes and their localized effect from The Impact Project and CAP.
Call to Action: Show Your Support for AmeriCorps
Dear friends and supporters,
Many of you have already read the news that National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) AmeriCorps Members were exited early in mid-April. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) recently began meetings with the AmeriCorps Agency (Corporation for National and Community Service) and is beginning to review their various programs, oversight, and grants management systems. NCCC is just one of several National Service programs administered by CNCS including AmeriCorps State and National, VISTA, and AmeriCorps Seniors. More recently, it’s been reported that most CNCS staff have been laid off and some VISTA and State & National programs have received grant cancellation notices.
AFNHA AmeriCorps is partially funded with a grant from AmeriCorps federal through their State and National program. It is a public-private partnership that has to date provided over 700,000 hours of professional development to its participating members, and the same number of hours to our AFNHA partners for boots on the ground projects in areas such as historic preservation, nature conservation and monitoring, cultural preservation, storytelling, trail building, and education.
Our current understanding is that while AmeriCorps funding remains in place for the current fiscal year, staffing is being cut all across the federal program endangering the viability of this federally legislated and appropriated program. It is now more important than ever that our elected officials and members of the public understand the value of AmeriCorps and its impact in our communities.
We call on you to share how AmeriCorps has impacted you, your community, and our region, and to express your support for National Service.
Take Action:
Contact your Members of Congress by email or phone using the outreach tools provided by Voices for National Service, or contribute your service year story to help showcase why we need AmeriCorps.
Donate to the national emergency assistance fund for AmeriCorps members
Related Links:
Learn more about our individual AmeriCorps members and how they are serving their sites and communities. In our 2023-24 member service year, we supported 34 AmeriCorps members at 20 organizations whose sites, programs, and activities were visited by 39,860 individuals. These members delivered educational programs to an audience of over 5,000 individuals, treated and improved 1,052 acres of public land, and managed 1,501 hours of volunteer service.
In 2024, AmeriCorps programs produced federal funding and local project support totalling $31,089,477 in Maryland and $20,808,549 in West Virginia.
Follow America’s Service Commissions and Service Year for the latest news and updates.
Oral History Workshop
We will host a free introductory Oral History workshop with Jennie Williams. This will be held in-person at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 23rd at the West Virginia Wood Technology Center (10 11th Street, Elkins, WV 26241). Email ben@afnha.org to RSVP (limited space). All are welcome to attend.
This workshop will offer an overview of oral history interview techniques, tips, ethics, and best practices. It will also include a demonstration of how to use basic audio recording equipment.
Jennie Williams is the West Virginia State Folklorist and directs West Virginia Folklife, a statewide program based at the West Virginia Humanities Council in Charleston. She is experienced in oral history interviewing, documentation, writing, grants administration, and facilitation of folk and traditional arts public programs. Jennie holds an M.A. in folklore and ethnomusicology from Indiana University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate at IU, and her dissertation centers oral history methods.
AFNHA AmeriCorps Members Support Local Organizations
AmeriCorps members serving with Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) recently presented a donation to the Augusta Heritage Center to support their scholarship fund. AmeriCorps members raised funds for this project by organizing a square dance. This was one of several organizations supported by AFNHA AmeriCorps members through their annual community service projects.
