What is AFNHA?
AFNHA telling their story to Washington D.C., 2005.
The Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area (AFNHA) is a grassroots effort to help communities in West Virginia and western Maryland grow by sharing and protecting their forest history and culture. Throughout our 18 counties, we help to establish natural, historical, educational, and conservation-based tourism sites to promote economic and community development.
We support locations such as historic logging towns, scenic hiking areas, craft shops, and working forests—helping them become exciting, meaningful stops for visitors. These experiences help local economies and teach people about the importance of our forests in our daily lives.
The Appalachian forests are a unique ecosystem that supports fascinating plant and animal species. The AFNHA is the core of the central hardwood forest that is (today) the largest of its kind in the world. Our forests have been integral to our culture, conservation movements, the formation of National Forests, and the rise of modern forestry.
The central Appalachian culture including folklife, music, dance, crafts, and traditions are inextricably tied to the forest. The extensive forests and undeveloped rural character of the AFNHA provide natural and recreational resources, scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and opportunities for nature observation for all visitors to enjoy.
Why does AFNHA matter?
AFNHA helps rural communities by using what makes them special—their forests, stories, and traditions—to bring in visitors and support local businesses.
Heritage tourism—visiting places with rich culture and history—is one of the fastest-growing areas of the tourism industry, but many small towns struggle to balance economic needs with environmental protection. AFNHA works to make sure that these are not mutually exclusive. By turning forest heritage into something visitors can enjoy and learn from, we help communities grow in ways that stay true to their roots. Many communities have valuable natural and cultural resources at their doorstep, but they lack the resources to develop these as tourism destinations. Working in isolation, communities cannot leverage adequate funding for infrastructure development, nor can they create the cohesive experience that will attract tourists to remote areas. AFNHA partners with struggling sites to help them improve their programs and destinations – developing the sites and stories that visitors will come see and appreciate.
What Makes this Region Special?
Rich forest history – logging, conservation, and the birth of national forests
Unique culture – crafts, music, folk traditions, and life tied to the forest
Natural beauty – large forests, wildlife, and outdoor adventures
Living industry – working forests, wood products, and forest education
History of AFNHA development
The Beginning-
AFNHA began in 2001 as a project from West Virginia University and the Canaan Valley Institute, with help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Many people, groups, and towns joined together to plan how to share their forest heritage with visitors and grow tourism in their communities.
We created a nonprofit organization in 2003. A Board of Directors and an Advisory Council made up of community members and partner groups now guide our work. Three counties—Webster (WV), Randolph (WV), and Garrett (MD)—served as pilot areas to test out ideas for how local projects could succeed. From the beginning, the project focused on working together, supporting local leadership, and building a strong regional identity.
Programs and Partnerships-
AmeriCorps Service – Since 2007, we’ve hosted AmeriCorps members who serve local groups. They work on heritage development, conservation, and community projects. We now have up to 40 members a year.
Discovery Center – In 2014, we opened the Appalachian Forest Discovery Center at the Darden Mill in Elkins, WV. This museum and visitor center helps people learn about the area and plan visits to nearby sites.
Partnerships – We work with local governments, nonprofits, museums, schools, and forest agencies to get projects off the ground.
Conservation and Preservation – We support efforts to protect forest lands, preserve historic buildings, and care for special places.
National Heritage Area Designation-
AFNHA sought national recognition as a National Heritage Area designation to gain recognition of the significance of our resources, and to help increase our financial resources for forest heritage development. We completed a detailed Feasibility Study and worked with lawmakers for years to make it happen.
In March of 2019, we earned National Heritage Area designation—one of only a few in the United States focused on forests. This means more support and visibility for our projects and communities. See Long Road to NHA for more details on this effort.
How to get INvolved
Join Us – Anyone can be an AFNHA Stakeholder. Meetings are open and include updates, tours, and programs. Membership is free.
Stay Connected – Follow us on Facebook, sign up for our newsletter, or visit our website.
Partner With Us – We’re always looking for groups and volunteers to help carry out local projects.
