MAYOR GOODWIN HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION AT HERBERT AND GLORIA JONES WOODLANDS TRAILS

(Charleston, W. Va.) – Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin today joined Callen McJunkin (Jones family), members of the Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance, and local cyclists for a ribbon-cutting celebration at the trailhead of the Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands Trails. In addition, the woodlands were recognized as the first Community Forest in Charleston and the second in the state to be inducted into The Old-Growth Forest Network. 

“Today, we celebrate not just the opening of the Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands Trails, but also the legacy of a family whose generosity ensures future generations can experience nature as their parents did,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “We are grateful to the Jones Family for the generous land donation. Their commitment to conservation honors the past while giving all of us, and those who follow, the chance to enjoy these woodlands—offering a place for reflection, recreation, and connection to nature.” 

The Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands Trail System was made possible through the generous land donation from the Jones Family, in collaboration with the City of Charleston, Charleston Land Reuse Agency, and Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance. Design / Construction services provided by Appalachian Dirt, GAI Consultants, and Tri-State Trails Company.

“As a family, we are honored to see these woodlands preserved in memory of our parents, Herbert and Gloria, who were lifelong Charleston residents and who loved the outdoors,” said Callen McJunkin. “We hope these trails and the woodlands become a space where the community can connect with nature, find solace, and create lasting memories.”  

“The Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance is thrilled to have played a role in bringing the trail system to life, creating a space that preserves the natural beauty of the woodlands for all to enjoy,” said Jack Hoblitzell, Kanawha Valley Trail Alliance Board Member. “The Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands trails are a testament to the power of collaboration – offering an accessible and enriching experience that reflects the legacy of the Jones Family.”   

The Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands was recognized as the first Community Forest in Charleston and the second in the state to be inducted into The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) which connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests. OGFN aims to preserve at least one forest in every county in the United States that can sustain a forest. OGFN works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations.  

“I am excited to celebrate the opening of this remarkable trail system in the Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands – a public space that has been designated as a Community Forest by the Old-Growth Forest Network. This designation underscores the environmental importance of these woodlands that will improve the lives of our residents in many ways” said Council Member Emmett Pepper. “Thank you to the Jones Family for donating the land, and for all who helped make this outdoor recreation space possible.”  

“We are grateful for the example set by the city of Charleston to recognize and protect a maturing stand of trees that is highly valued by the community,” said Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Manager, Old-Growth Forest Network. “The Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands is an inspiring example of protecting both old-growth and highly mature forests, preserving significant wildlife habitat, storing large amounts of carbon, and filtering stormwater to protect nearby rivers and streams.” 

Trail signage – including a message from the Jones family, trail map and trail etiquette – will be posted in the coming weeks. Visitors to the Herbert and Gloria Jones Woodlands are reminded that cell service may not be available in all locations in the Woodlands. Downed trees or other maintenance issues should be reported to the City of Charleston’s Public Works Department at 304.348.6850. 

TRAIL ETIQUETTE

BE FRIENDLY - Everyone is here to enjoy the outdoors. Expect to see others on the trail. 

DON’T BLOCK TRAIL - Please move to the side of the trail when taking a break. 

WATCH YOUR STEP - Be aware of your surroundings and watch where you are going. Natural surface trails may contain variations in elevation and terrain, may be slippery, and may have roots and rocks that create potential obstacles that may pose trip or fall hazards.  

STAY ON MARKED TRAILS - Private property boundaries are not marked within the Jones Woodlands -- do not approach homes or enter private property. Modification of trails (cutting, bushwacking, or making new trails around trees or obstacles) is prohibited. Please do not enter any caves or abandoned coal mine entries that you may see. Entering such spaces is hazardous, disturbs wildlife, and may lead to serious injury or death. 

DO NOT USE WET TRAILS - If you are leaving prints (boots or tire tracks), the trail is too wet to use. When approaching muddy spots, go through the center of the mud to keep the trail narrow. 

STAY RIGHT, PASS LEFT - Be aware of those around you; walk or ride on the right unless passing. 

USE VOICE / BELL, GO SLOW WHEN PASSING - Avoid startling people when passing, let them know you’re approaching with a bell, or by yelling out “on your left” before you pass. Reduce speed when passing.  

KEEP PETS CLOSE - Keep pets [and others] safe by keeping pets close. Dogs must be on leashes. 

PACK IT IN. PACK IT OUT. LEAVE NO TRACE. - Leave only footprints (or tire tracks). Take only pictures. Pick up after pets. Pack out trash and pet waste.  

TRAIL USER SAFETY - Cyclists should yield to runners and walkers to minimize the risk of collision.  

STAY WITHIN YOUR ABILITY - Ride, walk, or run on trails that are within your ability. Observe all signs and warnings and stay off closed trails. 

HUNTING PROHIBITED - Hunting is not permitted within the Jones Woodlands. 

NON-MOTORIZED USE ONLY - ATV’s, UTV’s, and dirt bikes are prohibited. Class 1 e-bikes are permitted.

ABOUT THE JONES FAMILY

The children of Herbert and Gloria Jones donated sixty-four acres to the City of Charleston to preserve the woodlands experience as a memorial to their parents. Herbert Jones, a West Virginian, and Gloria Callen, a New Yorker, were lifelong Charleston residents.  

Raised on a farm, Herbert became a lifelong avid horseman, riding in several 50- and 100-mile rides in Hot Springs, VA. He felt deeply for war veterans, having served in the Pacific in World War II, and spearheaded the building of the West Virginia Veterans Memorial on the state capitol grounds. 

Gloria was a national champion swimmer and a member of the US Olympic team in 1940. Gloria was passionate about all of the arts, as they could beautify our world. She especially loved the West Virginia Symphony and gardens worldwide. She became a devoted and valuable member of both the Kanawha Garden Club and the Garden Club of America.  

Read the message from the Jones Family that will be displayed at the trailhead HERE. 

ABOUT THE OLD-GROWTH FOREST NETWORK

There are 14 Network Forests in West Virginia that have been inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network.  The 14-year-old national Network has over 270 forests across 39 states. OGFN also recognizes exceptional forest advocates, educates about the extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more at http://www.oldgrowthforest.net.

Old-Growth Forest Network Contact: Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager   brian@oldgrowthforest.net, 703-850-3159