WVU Extension Offices in Braxton, Clay and Kanawha counties are planning a new program for 4-H members – 4-H on the Elk River Trail.  The summer-long scavenger hunt is designed to get our 4-H families outside enjoying nature, getting in some physical activity and creating memories while they explore the Elk River Trails State Park and the Elk River Water Trail. 
   Participants will receive a listing of waypoints with GPS coordinates and photos of a few of the unique and remarkable sights on the trail from the Sutton Dam to the mouth of the Elk River in Charleston.  Families will receive a point for each waypoint they find and photograph and for completing other challenges.  At the end of the summer, top-scoring families will be entered in a drawing for some great prizes they can use to further explore the Elk River Trails.
   4-H on the Elk River Trail will begin Memorial Day weekend and last through Labor Day.  Some of the waypoints will be seen from the water, while others will be along the Elk River Trail State Park – the newest state park in West Virginia.
   There is no charge to participate.  Families will be provided with a listing of way-points, hints for safety, and how to share their fun experiences with others in a Padlet.  They’ll also receive the information as a printable document.  These materials will be emailed to families the week before Memorial Day.
   To register, log in at https://4h.zsuite.org/ and look for 4-H on the Elk River Trail.  To enroll in 4-H, youth must turn 9 years old by September 30, 2021 up to age 21.  If you aren’t already enrolled in 4-H, you’ll need to create an account at the website above and enroll as a 4-H member before you can register for 4-H on the Elk River Trail.  Call or email your local WVU County Extension Office for more information or for help with registration:
Braxton County:    Debbie Friend, 304-765-2809; Debbie.Friend@mail.wvu.edu
Clay County:        Michael Shamblin, 304-587-4267; MDShamblin@mail.wvu.edu
Kanawha County:    Jocelyn Crawford, 304-720-9573; Jocelyn.Crawford@mail.wvu.edu