WEST UNION, W.Va. — The West Virginia Land Trust plans to develop a new “Grounding Garden” at the Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve in Doddridge County, offering residents a dedicated space designed to boost physical and mental health through direct connection with nature.
The project has received financial commitments from both AARP and the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation.
A grounding garden is a public space that invites visitors to directly connect with the earth through sensory-rich, mindful activities, such as walking barefoot on grass.
The practice aims to reduce stress, improve sleep and boost immune function by balancing the body’s electrical energy.
Beyond individual wellness, conservation initiatives that protect and enhance local green spaces help drive tourism and recreation-based business, creating potential economic opportunities and supporting job creation in the county.
The funding from AARP comes through the AARP Community Challenge, a grant program that supports tangible community improvements to jump-start long-term change as part of the organization’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative.
“This was an incredibly competitive year, but your project stood out among the 5,100 applications nationwide. We are delighted to select your proposal and look forward to working with you!” the AARP Community Challenge Team said in a statement.
Additional financial assistance is provided by the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation and Regional Affiliates and its affiliate, the Doddridge County Community Foundation.
The foundation connects charitable resources across an 11-county service area, awarding grants annually through unrestricted and field of interest endowment funds as well as donor-advised funds.
“The PACF is glad to help support this project, which benefits individuals by helping more people connect with nature and also supports the community by increasing access and activities at this special location within Doddridge County. We hope the Grounding Garden inspires more residents and visitors to explore the Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve and enjoy the many benefits of spending time outdoors,” said Maribeth Saleem-Tanner, PACF senior program officer.
The upcoming development builds on existing local engagement at the preserve, which opened in 2023.
“The Marie Hall Jones Ancient Forest Preserve has already proven to be a valued community asset. Since the preserve opened in 2023, the trails have welcomed regular weekly visitors from the surrounding community, demonstrating clear local demand for accessible outdoor recreation and nature-based wellness opportunities. The strong and consistent use of the preserve highlights both the community’s support for the site and the need to further enhance it with features like the upcoming Grounding Garden,” said Jessica Spatafore, WVLT director of marketing and communications.
The West Virginia Land Trust is a statewide, nationally accredited nonprofit dedicated to permanently protecting the state’s scenic areas, water quality and recreational access. Since 1994, the organization has protected more than 62,000 acres of land, including nine public nature preserves.
Story credit: The Exponent Telegram: https://www.wvnews.com/theet/news/land-trust-to-develop-grounding-garden-in-doddridge-county/article_c80ddb2b-4ebd-4b2c-af62-1bb9b5e5c15c.html
Pictured below is a concept sketch of the upcoming grounding garden:
