I talk about West Virginia’s natural treasures all the time – and how often we take our own backyard wonders for granted when others travel from afar to see them. But news from the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources last week reminded me: there really is no such thing as this place.

While I’m generally talking about natural wonders, food, culture, and people, it’s true in another sense. There are plants and animals here that do not live anywhere else in the world. The new West Virginia Natural Areas Program has added its first two areas to protect our rare flora and fauna – Bald Knob and the Canaan Valley Wetlands, both located in Canaan State Park. Valley Resort.

“These two areas have the highest concentration of federally listed species and species in greatest need of conservation and this designation is going to give us the awareness and resources we need to ensure they are properly. managed. ” said Scott Warner, deputy head of wildlife diversity for the WVDNR.

Within the two newly protected areas are over 2,200 acres of rare conifer swamps and red spruce forests with over 40 rare plants, 12 rare invertebrates and a variety of animals unique to the region. More than 200 acres at Bald Knob are protected under the program, as well as 2,000 acres in the wetlands of the Canaan Valley.

As the authorities take advantage of the resources made possible by this new designation, to mitigate potential environmental impacts, educate and encourage scientific studies, it is a good reminder to all that we must be gentle in enjoying this wild and wonderful state. , even if we are not in officially protected areas.

Leave no trace, but also don’t give in to the temptation to take away souvenirs such as picked wildflowers. Give wildlife their space. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a great hike when I look down and see a plastic bottle or candy wrap that has been carelessly thrown by the trail, instead of ‘be used for proper disposal. If that annoys me, imagine what such recklessness must mean for the animals that actually live there.

It’s good to know that at least a few places in Mountain State will be better protected (from us) and the list should only go on and on.

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It has been brought to my attention that October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month. Any excuse to celebrate the types of dogs grouped together in the “pit bull” category is all I need. Me and a coworker both have pit bull type dogs adopted from animal shelters… and they are awesome dogs that are nothing like the bad name these breeds hang out with.

Mine is a cuddly hunk who loves to pull and let my niece and nephew play with him like he’s a big furry doll. He keeps the cat at times (yes, it can), but that’s about as close as he gets to getting aggressive.

On two occasions he barked and growled at a stranger in a way that made me wonder if I should alert the authorities that my dog ​​had called a person he didn’t trust – if the dog said that he’s a bad guy, I think he is. But even then, all the dog did was make a lot of noise.

He’s sweet, goofy… not always the brightest creature… well behaved and ridiculously loyal.

Is he representatives of his “raise?” Nope. But then again, it’s also not the mix of mean, spirited, and paranoid beagle that my friend is desperately trying to form a representative of the beagle breed.

As dogtime.com says, “When dogs, regardless of their makeup, receive proper training, care and socialization, there is a good chance that they will grow up to be confident and gentle animals. “

Of course, young children and anyone unfamiliar with the dog should be taught to approach safely and gain its trust. We can’t turn off our guard completely because we love “pit bulls” or any other type of dog. It is common sense.

But if you are looking to bring a new dog to your family and have the means to do so and the will to stick with their education, don’t ignore them. “pit bull” type dogs in animal shelters. Give it a chance. They deserve it.

Christina Myer is editor-in-chief of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be contacted by email at [email protected]