TUCKER COUNTY — Announcing the newly created Blackwater Falls State Park Foundation, a philanthropic organization supporting one of West Virginia’s most iconic and recognized state parks.

The Blackwater Falls State Park Foundation began its development early in 2022 and was recognized in 2023 by the State of West Virginia as a charitable not-for-profit corporation and by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) organization. The mission of this independent Foundation is to preserve, protect and enhance the Blackwater Falls State Park by providing leadership in public outreach, funding and advocacy.

The Foundations’ board currently consists of Linda L. Cronin serving as President, Blaine Steensland as Vice President, Judy Cronauer as Treasurer, and Jonathan Moss as Secretary. Members at Large of the board consist of Janet Wilson with the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society, Andrea Dalton Canaan Valley Master Naturalist, Brent Maynard with the Ohio Valley Astronomical Society and Jessica Waldo Executive Director of the Tucker County CVB. Paulita Cousin is the Blackwater Falls State Park representative working with the board.

According to Foundation President Linda Cronin, “The BFSP Foundation board members, drawn from the greater Tucker County region, meet monthly with the Blackwater Park SP staff to learn more about park operations and needs not covered by State appropriations. Joined with members of the Kanawha Valley Astronomical Society, our immediate project is championing Blackwater Falls’ application for International Dark Sky Park designation. As part of that process significant upgrades to the park’s lighting will need to be tackled — and that is where the newly formed Blackwater Falls SP Foundation will be of assistance — through fundraising activities and grant applications.”

Persons interested in learning more about this new Foundation are invited to contact President Linda Cronin, bwfspfoundation@gmail.com and by following the Blackwater Falls State Park Foundation Facebook page.