They buzz by your head in impatience when the feeder needs to be restocked. Leave a door ajar, a screen on the window open, or the garage door up and their curiosity will most often lead them in to explore. They will chase their own kin zealously for trying to share a feeder with multiple feeding holes and perches.

Hummingbirds. Our most curious and beloved migrant. A bird which most feeder watchers know very little about.

Did you ever wonder how a bird weighing less than a nickel manages to fly thousands of miles in migration each year? Do you even know where they go to spend the winter?

What plants are best to attract them to your yard? Can you make your own feeding solution instead of buying pre-packaged solution? What are they doing when they fly in that pendulum pattern? Are the birds I see each summer the same ones I saw the year before? Why do I seem to have so many females at this time of year (actually you don’t)?

These and other questions can be answered Aug. 13-15 at the first annual New River Hummingbird Festival — an event which will be offered free to the public at ACE Adventure Center. Jointly hosted by ACE and the New River Birding and Nature Center, the festival is keynoted by Bill Hilton Jr., consulting director of the center. A licensed hummingbird bander, Hilton is the only scientist currently studying hummingbirds on both their nesting grounds and wintering grounds.

The event will kick off Friday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. with the only activity which requires registration and a fee. This teaching workshop is geared toward educators and those who have a keen interest in citizen science. It will last until 3:30 p.m., includes lunch and costs $20. Topics to be covered include hummingbird natural history from feeding to nesting to migration; observing and photographing hummingbird behavior; designing a hummingbird habitat; attracting and caring for hummingbirds in your own backyard, schoolyard or nature center; reporting hummingbird observations via EarthTrek and The GLOBE Program; using hummingbirds as a teaching tool; banding hummingbirds and more.

On Friday evening at 7 p.m., the free portion of the festival will kick off with a 7-9 p.m. presentation “Ruby-throated Hummingbirds: From Your Yard to Costa Rica….and Back!”

More free events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 15, including banding demonstrations (where you may actually have the chance to hold a hummingbird in your hand); vendors featuring bird crafts and native plants important to the hummingbird diet; exhibits and the chance to have any and all of your questions answered by Hilton.

For more information or to sign up for the workshop, call Dave Pollard at 304-574-4258 or e-mail Rachel Davis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

"New River Hummingbird Festival Set." Fayette Tribune 22 July 2010

With representatives on hand from the offices of Congressman Nick Rahall and Governor Joe Manchin, the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority celebrated what they expect to be the start of something big for Wolf Creek Park and Fayette County. Ribbon cuttings for two new business ventures, a tour of an existing business and programming delivered through the New River Birding and Nature Center kicked off a summer season planners say will be full of promise.

Addressing a crowd of more than 50 people gathered June 12 for the ribbon cutting welcoming the Robbins Company to Wolf Creek, Fayette County Resource Coordinator Dave Pollard discussed the work and planning leading to this point. 

“Good things come to those who plan,” he said. “It is no mistake that the director of our Nature Center is a lifelong educator with impeccable credentials which include being named one of the 50 best brains in science by Discover Magazine.

“It is no mistake that our first start-up business (Bridge Brew Works) is one that services the tourism industry which has had a positive influence in our county for over 40 years.

“It is no mistake that our first residential developers (Ladevco) are people who have a reputation for putting together the most successful and highest quality housing developments in Fayette County.

“And certainly, it is no mistake that our first major business, the Robbins Company, is one with its very earliest roots tying it to our county. Robbins is a company we could not afford to lose, but without the Wolf Creek Park location and package, that is something which very well could have happened. I have no doubt that with Robbins as an anchor all of the things that we have worked so hard to plan and implement at Wolf Creek will become a reality.”

Echoing Pollard’s words, Robbins managing partner Dean Workman told those assembled that “we started here in Fayette County and it was our utmost desire to remain here. We found what we were looking for at Wolf Creek Park and now we can look forward and grow and expand our business.”

“This was a perfect fit for West Virginia,” said Steve Pilato, speaking on behalf of Governor Joe Manchin. “Robbins is the kind of company that expands our footprint and reputation throughout the world. The Governor was delighted to be able to put together a team from the state that enabled us to keep these very important jobs at home.”

Delivering words on behalf of Congressman Nick Rahall, Debrin Jenkins said, “My thoughts are very much with you on this special day as you enjoy everything this beautiful park has to offer. Here in West Virginia, we believe in preserving our natural beauty and promoting local businesses, while fostering job growth — Wolf Creek Park has mastered all of these ideas and uniquely combines the elements of business development, education and conservation. The motto ‘Live, Learn, Work and Play’ truly sums up this unique place. There is much success to be touted here at Wolf Creek.”

Robbins is slated to begin construction on its 16,000-square-foot facility on June 28. Ladveco will close on the first section of residential development July 2. Bridge Brew Works has been in operation since January and continues to add customers throughout southern West Virginia. The Nature Center, under Hilton’s direction, has constructed a wetlands boardwalk and has been providing monthly programs at the park and in schools since 2009. Their next event is slated for Saturday, July 10.

“Admittedly, it has been a long time since the first dollars for Wolf Creek Park came in under the Wise Administration, but we firmly believe that careful planning is a must when it comes to producing positive, sustainable results,” Pollard said.

“When you come over the bridge into Wolf Creek Park the bridge itself makes a statement. Every element of what we have done and what we intend to do will further the plans that have been so meticulously developed by all of our partners. The web between development, conservation, recreation and education will be something you experience every time you come into the park and something which stretches much farther than the 1,000-acre park boundary.

“It is meant to be, indeed is designed to be, a template of how we can move forward and sustain ourselves and our communities for many years to come,” he said.

“Cutting that ribbon for Robbins and our other elements ties together a package that can only grow and prosper,” he concluded.

"URA celebrates advances at Wolf Creek Park." The Fayette Tribune 21 June 2010 

Wolf Creek Park is a live, learn, work and play, outdoor oriented community with a green focus. It will serve as a model of environmental sensitivity while bringing jobs, housing and community facilities to Fayette County.

The New River Birding & Nature Center at Wolf Creek Park will host increasing numbers of school and adult groups who will benefit from field trips and nature study. With work in progress on a trail system, wetlands boardwalk and nature center at Wolf Creek Park, and with construction under way on industrial and residential sites, the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority (FCURA) is asking the public to adhere to the Friends of Wolf Creek Park, Stewardship Agreement.

* Walking and hiking are permitted.
* Hunting is permitted 500 yards east of construction areas and developing trail system.
* No firearms or hunting permitted within 500 yards of construction areas or developing trail system.
* No all-terrain or off-road vehicles permitted.
* No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs permitted on the property.
* Fires may not be built and are not allowed anywhere on the property.
* Do not remove any natural or cultural object from the property, including fossils, rocks, animals, plants, and artifacts.
* Do not relocate objects within the park.
* Do not litter — this includes cigarette butts.
* Leave only soft footprints behind.

Understanding there can be legitimate public use of this otherwise private property, the FCURA welcomes individuals to benefit from responsible use of the 1,000-acres of Wolf Creek Park.

The purpose of the Wolf Creek Park development is to bring jobs and significant tax revenue to Fayette County. The FCURA is relying upon cooperation from the public to help meet these goals that will benefit everyone.

Ongoing construction can pose significant dangers on the property. Additionally, the site has suffered from expensive vandalism in the past. Persons doing damage to the property and environment will be vigorously prosecuted. Littering, dumping and vandalism fines will be imposed to the fullest extent of the law.

Fayette County, Wolf Creek Park and the Urban Renewal Authority are exempt from liability for any damage or injury, including death, which may occur while on Wolf Creek Park property.

For medical or true emergencies, call 911.

Non-emergencies contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 304-574-3590.

Report troubles to the Fayette County Resource Coordinator at 304-574-4258.

“Every person has a responsibility to look after the planet, both for themselves and for the future generations. Acting irresponsibly could cause damage such as pollution, the destruction of cultural heritage, and many other problems.”

"Friends of Wolf Creek Park Stewardship Agreement." The Fayette Tribune 3 June 2010

The Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority and Fayette County Education Fund have jointly announced a public event at the Wolf Creek Park “Live, Learn, Work and Play” Community for Saturday, June 12. Activities planned for the day include:

* A bird-banding demonstration from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The banding will be conducted by New River Birding & Nature Center consulting director Bill Hilton Jr. Named one of the “50 Best Brains in Science” by Discover Magazine, Hilton has been banding and studying birds for 30 years. The activity will enable those in attendance to learn about bird behavior, the types of birds at Wolf Creek Park and in their own back yards, the roles birds play in the health of the ecosystem, and much more.

* A ribbon cutting from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. welcoming the Robbins Company to Wolf Creek Park, as well as Ladevco, a residential developer. Robbins is expecting to double its workforce in the next 3 to 5 years  and will begin construction in June at Wolf Creek. Ladevco has a wide range of residential plans to fit within the overall Wolf Creek Park concept and hopes to begin construction this year as well.

* Wetlands education from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Guests will take educational tours on the Wolf Creek Wetlands Boardwalk and learn about the importance of the wetlands and about wetlands plants, amphibians and salamanders. The boardwalk was constructed this past November through a partnership with the AmeriCorps NCCC program, Project FLOW and the Coal Heritage Highway Authority. Expansion plans for the boardwalk are already under way with several hundred additional feet to be installed later this year. A limited number of guests will be able to paddle inflatable kayaks out into the wetlands to learn about a wetlands project being conducted by two local students which is tied into research being conducted for the State of Ohio.

* A tour of the recently opened Bridge Brew Works facility from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Those taking the tour will learn about the chemistry behind making craft brews and the different plants used to make the product. A limited tasting will be made available for those wishing to sample the product.

“We are excited about the progress being made at Wolf Creek Park in all phases of the development. This event will show the public what has been done to date, what to expect in the future, and will demonstrate how they can become involved in and take advantage of recreational and learning activities at the Park,” Fayette County Resource Coordinator Dave Pollard said.

“The partnership between the Urban Renewal Authority and the Fayette County Education Fund has been a real catalyst in moving forward with both industrial and educational goals at Wolf Creek and I think the public will be very pleased to see the detailed plans that have been developed and the progress which has been made.”

"Wolf Creek Park continues to grow." The Fayette Tribune 5 May 2010

Fayette County Resource Coordinator, Dave Pollard addresses members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Conservation Corps (NCCC), other volunteers and members of the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority Saturday morning at the New River Birding & Nature Center at Wolf Creek Park. Pollard thanked the NCCC workers and volunteers for the work they have done to create a wetlands boardwalk on the Center’s land. At his left is Bill Hilton Jr., director of the Center. For a more complete look at the event, see the Monday edition of The Fayette Tribune.

"Making dreams a reality." Fayette Tribune 24 November 2009

By Cheryl Keenan

They came to Fayette County from across the country, working together as the team they’ve become. They are young people, aged 18-24, who’ve joined a program called AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) in an effort to make a difference.

The official mission of AmeriCorps NCCC, according to its Web site at www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp, is “to strengthen communities and develop leaders through direct, team-based national and community service… Drawn from the successful models of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and the U.S. military, AmeriCorps NCCC is built on the belief that civic responsibility is an inherent duty of all citizens and that national service programs work effectively with local communities to address pressing needs.”

And the young men and women who visited Fayette County did indeed address a pressing need.

“The project has come a very long way in a short time,” said Dave Pollard, Fayette County resource coordinator. “I don’t have the expertise and the commitment from the community to get people out here every day and get this kind of work done. I can’t imagine how much it would have cost us to do (what AmeriCorps NCCC did).”

The 10-member crew left Fayette County over the weekend, headed for the John Henry Park in Summers County, after constructing several hundred feet of a boardwalk through the wetlands at the New River Birding and Nature Center at Wolf Creek Park.

“Eventually we’ll go 2000 feet to connect the wetlands,” Pollard said.

The goal of the Center is to be an educational tool for local school children, as well as other residents and those who travel to the area.

“Every month we’re going to have things we’ll be doing,” Pollard said. “We have a great outdoor classroom here.”

The AmeriCorps team had come to Fayette County after a stint in Bay of St. Louis, Miss., rehabilitating Hurricane Katrina-damaged homes, and was going on to John Henry to do some trail work and campground rehab.

“There’s a lot of variety in the program,” said Jordan Mohr of Greensboro, N.C. “It’s an awesome, awesome program.”

The boardwalk, which exceeds ADA standards, will allow visitors to walk into the wetlands. A viewing platform also has been constructed from which Bill Hilton Jr., consulting director of the New River Birding and Nature Center, or others can teach. Hilton even had a chance to teach the AmeriCorps NCCC workers some nature facts during their stay.

“The wetlands have been incredible for this time of year,” Pollard said. “We’ve had salamanders and tadpoles and everything else.”

Volunteers with the Center also are conducting an ongoing comprehensive flora and fauna inventory of the 1,000-acre plot.

For more on Wolf Creek Park and the New River Birding and Nature Center, see upcoming editions of The Fayette Tribune.

"NCCC workers construct boardwalk at park." Fayette Tribune 30 November 2009

If you’re a student or adult looking for something to do outdoors before summer is over and school starts back, an educator-naturalist invites you to join him for a morning nature walk this week at New River Birding & Nature Center.

Bill Hilton Jr., the center’s consulting director, will be on hand at 7 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6 for a look at wildflowers, birds and other wildlife that occur in late summer in the Wolf Creek watershed. Hilton, named one of America’s “50 Best Brains in Science” by Discover magazine, has been overseeing early efforts to establish the center as a preeminent outdoor learning facility for southern West Virginia. The center is an integral part of the multi-faceted Wolf Creek Park “Live, Learn, Work, and Play” community between Fayetteville and Oak Hill.

Hilton said the morning walk — open to the public without charge — will provide the last opportunity to see birds that breed at the center but will be migrating south to Central and South America by the end of the month.

“As always,” Hilton said, “we’ll have our Wolf Creek checklists handy as we try to add to our ever-growing inventory of animals and plants that occur on the 1,000-acre tract. Such lists are very important so we know how many and what kinds of flora and fauna are present and at what time of year. This knowledge, in turn, helps us make final decisions on where nature trails should go and where anticipated nature center buildings should be placed.”

According to Hilton, the Wolf Creek property has just become part of the new West Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas, which is a statewide survey to upgrade information about which bird species breed in all 55 Mountain State counties.

Following the leisurely two-hour nature walk, participants will get a snack and then continue work on extending the center’s nature trail system — a project started this winter by adult and student volunteers.

“Folks should bring binoculars and field guides for the nature walk,” Hilton said, “and then plan to spend some time using our equipment to cut trails, prune shrubbery, and restore the banks of a stream that feeds Wolf Creek. For folks who can work all day we’ll provide a free lunch at noon and continue our efforts until about 3:30 p.m. Even if you can’t stay to work for part or all day you’re still welcome to attend the field trip.”

Anyone interested in participating in Thursday’s nature walk or work day activities should contact Dave Pollard at 304-574-4258. Loaner binoculars will be available if you don’t have a pair. Wolf Creek Park is on W.Va. Highway 16 near the intersection with U.S. Rte. 19, just north of Oak Hill. Participants should meet at the park’s bridge entrance at 6:45 a.m. for the field trip.

* * *

Hilton is executive director of Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History in York, S.C. The center’s mission is “to conserve plants, animals, habitats, and other natural components of the Piedmont Region of the eastern United States through observation, scientific study and education for students of all ages.”

For more, visit www.hiltonpond.org or www.rubythroat.org (Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project).

"Field trip, work day set." Fayette Tribune 31 July 2009

Two men who proposed a micro-brewery in Oak Hill and also considered it for Fayetteville instead will locate the facility in Wolf Creek Park between the two municipalities.

Last week, Nathan Herrold and Ken Linch signed a lease with the Fayette County Urban Renewal Authority, the owners of Wolf Creek Park, a planned 1,065-acre mixed-use industrial park off U.S. Rte. 19. The park is zoned as a planned development industrial park.

Although work has occurred on the park’s infrastructure and the accompanying New River Birding and Nature Center, the micro-brewery is the first tenant to commit to a sales agreement at the park, says Ken Eskew, URA chairman.

“Our park’s a multi-purpose use (facility),” Eskew said, “and we thought the brewery would lend itself to the type of development we’ll be going after.

“We’re happy (with securing the first tenant). We hope this is the first of many more to come. We hope they’ll be successful.”

In addition to tourism-related businesses, Wolf Creek officials are also seeking light manufacturing firms for inclusion on the tenant roster. There will also be a residential component.

The micro-brewery will be located in a one-acre parcel. Infrastructure is already in place, as is a foundation for the building. County building code official Allen Ballard will keep an eye on the progress of the building construction, said Eskew.

The men proposed the micro-brewery for Oak Hill in early 2008. Despite some opposition, they received the permits they needed from the city to begin operation but eventually opted against placing the business in Fayette County’s largest municipality.

The duo also tossed the idea around with Fayetteville officials but withdrew their application for a change in a Fayetteville zoning ordinance that could have paved the way for operation of the business in the county seat.

The micro-brewery will sell beer to local businesses for distribution at their places of business, Eskew said.

Herrold didn’t return a phone call to discuss plans.

"Micro-brewery headed to Wolf Creek." Fayette Tribune 13 May 2009