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* Parkersburg High School's Native Roots Club helped a group of younger students at Criss Elementary School with their gardening tasks last week, not only harvesting vegetables but preparing the beds for the winter and planting flower bulbs. The project benefits the younger students not only by teaching them gardening skills, but allowing them to take home some of the produce, such as tomatoes and peppers. Criss is not the only stop the club makes as it tours gardens and greenhouses across the district, helping students get their hands dirty and learn the joys of growing not only food, but beautiful flowers and plants that support pollinators. Kudos to science teacher Abby Taylor for launching Native Roots and the students who have helped it grow. It is sure to plant seeds that will bloom for a lifetime.
* Speaking of our region's ability to feed itself with what we get from the ground, North Bend State Park hosted its annual Nature Wonder Weekend -- Wild Foods Weekend -- which featured workshops on foraging, preparing and enjoying wild foods, and what to watch for while out hiking in our wild and wonderful woods. "Nature Wonder Weekend is one of the most unique traditions in West Virginia and a great example of how we're helping more people experience the joy of spending time outdoors," said West Virginia DNR Director Brett McMillion. "Whether you're an experienced forager or just curious about wild foods, this event is a great way to learn something new and become part of a community that truly appreciates the beauty of our state." Education is the key when it comes to foraging -- don't attempt it uninformed -- but once a person knows what they are doing, it can be a joy, indeed.