Ohio River Islands
Phone: 304-422-0752
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1990 to protect, conserve, and restore habitat for wildlife native to the river's floodplain. The refuge consists of twenty-one islands and three mainland tracts scattered along nearly 400 miles of the river in three states: West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. Although over 3200 acres of land and underwater habitats are held by the refuge, this represents only a small fraction of what was once the "wild" Ohio.
Two-hundred species of birds use refuge lands and surrounding waters at some time during the year. Many are present only during migrations, stopping here to feed and rest. Eighty species are known to nest on the refuge, including prothonotary and cerulean warblers, wood ducks, and great blue herons.
Underwater deposits of sand and gravel associated with the islands provide some of the best freshwater mussel habitat in the Ohio River. Nearly forty mussel species make the refuge home,including the federally endangered fanshell and pink mucket.
Directions
Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge headquarters are located at 3004 7th Street (Rt. 50) in Parkersburg, WV. Take exit #176 on I-77, travel west for one mile on 7th Street. Headquarters are located in a strip mall on the left.
Most refuge property is accessible only by boat, however, Middle Island adjacent to St. Marys, WV has bridge access from the mainland. From State Route 2 in St. Marys, turn onto George Street and continue two blocks to the island's bridge. Contact the refuge for information about locating other refuge properties.
More info at http://www.recreation.gov/detail.cfm?ID=51660
National River
Exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (Book) by Todd Campbell and Kym Campbell
This guide book is an intro to the best of this lesser-known recreational gem. Most of the book consists of hiking trails, many of which also are open to mountain bikers and equestrians. A small portion of the book tells of some river trips. 340 pages.
Merchant: Online Sports
Hiking the Big South Fork
Sale Price: $10.65*
Retail: $14.95 (29% off!)
(Overstock Books)
Now in its third edition, Hiking the Big South Fork is packed with up-to-date information on the trails of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky. The book combines numerous details about the natural histor...
Merchant: Overstock Books
Falcon Exploring Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Sale Price: $15.26*
Retail: $16.95 (10% off!)
(Overstock Books)
Description not available. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.
Merchant: Overstock Books
National Emblems Pittsburgh Pirates Logo Patch - Pittsburgh Pirates Three River Stadium
Patch up your shirt, jacket, or bag with this embroidered Pittsburgh Pirates emblem commemorating Three Rivers Stadium. Now you can support your team anywhere at any time and always look great doing it!
Merchant: CBS Sports Store