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.
As a non-profit organization, the FCEF graciously accepts tax-deductible monetary donations from generous businesses and the individuals. Donors may designate contributions to any of the programs listed below.
Preparing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
A free program made possible by Festival participation and donations for selected Fayette County high school juniors to promote essential leadership qualities while providing first hand experiences in the business, government, and tourism sectors of Fayette County, West Virginia.
Each year, twelve to fourteen Fayette County resident students are selected by application and interview to participate in the ten + session program throughout their 11th grade school year.
Sharing secrets of science and nature in the New River watershed with West Virginians and their friends
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.
With a gorgeous view in any season, this gem of a spot drips with migrating birds and overflows with plant and wild life. Since 2008, the Center serves as an environmental education hub for residents, businesses, and visitors from across and beyond West Virginia. The Center is an outdoor classroom featuring a Wetlands Boardwalk and self-interpretive Woodland Trails and plans for an Observation Deck.
