All proceeds generated through the New River Birding & Nature Festival and our other events go to the registered 501C3 local nonprofit Fayette County Education Fund, Inc. (FCEF). Festival participants and friends have helped support Education Fund programs since the first Festival in 2002. It is the mission of the FCEF to secure the future of Fayette County by providing relevant leadership training and environmental education to the community with an emphasis on youth. The mission is carried out through the programs Leadership Fayette County and a variety of environmentally focused programs delivered in our outdoor wetlands and woodlands classroom at the New River Birding & Nature Center located in Wolf Creek Park.
The FCEF is an important organization in leading our county down a path to strengthen sustainable growth initiatives. Through various programs, local youth gain important knowledge and are better informed about the area to make the decision to return upon completion of their higher education.
Leadership Fayette County (LFC)
A free program for selected Fayette County high school juniors that is made possible by Festival participation and donations. The program teaches essential leadership and public speaking skills.
Program Structure and Selection
Each year, twelve to fourteen students from Fayette County high schools are selected through an application and interview process to participate in 12+ sessions throughout their 11th grade school year. The selection process ensures that each LFC class includes one student from every high school that submitted applications. Sessions include networking with local professionals, business owners, managers, and government officials. Programming is geared to provide the information and tools needed to enable them to make the choice to return to Fayette County to live, work, and play upon completion of their higher education. Those who successfully complete the curriculum are awarded a $1000 scholarship to the school/training of their choice.
New River Birding & Nature Center
Sharing secrets of science and nature in the New River watershed.
Voted the #1 Birdwatching Spot in the Best of the Blue Ridge: 2022 Readers' Choice Awards! While exploring, be considerate to leave only soft footprints and take only litter. The Boardwalk and Trails are maintained by donations and volunteers. Open from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Donations are welcome.
Serving as an outdoor classroom with a gorgeous view in any season and without an indoor facility, this gem of a spot hosts migrating and resident birds and overflows with plants and wildlife. Since 2008, the Center has acted as an environmental education hub for residents, businesses, and visitors from West Virginia and beyond, featuring a Wetlands Boardwalk, Woodland Trails, and an Observation Deck.
