Fernow was founded in 1934 and is run by the USDA Forest Service. This tract of ecological highland was allocated for the purpose of laboratory environmental studies due to its species diversity and historically was one of the earliest programs of its kind, with respect to water quality and forest health. The program's uniquely long stream chemistry data history along with the program's expansions over the years has contributed to the foundations of modern environmental engineering - some of which encompasses the basis of what we call stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) used today. Those developments occurred alongside management actions for mixed oak forests monitoring, and contributions to endangered species management.

Our host, Benjamin Rau has decades of ecological experience in the watershed program with the Forest Service, and has both a PhD and a Masters in Hydrology. He has worked to develop and improve the experimental watersheds of various national forests across the country.

Fernow is located in central West Virginia, right outside of the city of Parsons. Being that we're an organization in Pittsburgh, we will be arranging carpooling for this trip upon request. For those in the Pittsburgh area, we recommend departing at 8 in the morning to arrive on site when the tour begins. The tour is anticipated to be at least 3 hours long, plus lunch. Parking is available at the Forest Service building at 459 Nursery Bottom Road.

Pizza will be ordered on-site and is included in the attendance fee! If you have any allergies or other dietary restrictions, please email Jon Wall at jon@shadysidepa.com and we'll be sure to accommodate! ASCE EWRI Pittsburgh typically hosts at least two touring events each year, and we're also always open to having new volunteers.