What's Happening in South Charleston, WV…

To help it protect 10,000 acres of land from development, the West Virginia Land Trust aims to raise $75,000 at its largest fundraiser of the year, the Special Places event, which takes place in just over a week.

The fundraiser will not only raise money for the Land Trust; it is also designed to recognize the work of people who have contributed to land conservation efforts in their area. This year's event will focus on the 12 landowners who have worked with the organization to create easements on their property.

Over the past two decades, the organization has protected 2,000 acres of farm and natural lands from development. The only organization of its kind in the state, people or companies that own property that has historical, natural, or scenic qualities work with the organization to create an easement. Under these, the land can only be used for its original purpose in perpetuity.

A number of properties near South Charleston have benefited from the Land Trust's efforts, including an historic farm in Jackson County and the Wallace Hartman Nature Preserve in Charleston. To spread the word of what it does and to allow people to see its past work, the Land Trust could use poster printing to highlight each piece of land.

The fundraiser takes place on May 22, starting at 6:00 pm. Tickets to the fundraiser are available at the Land Trust's website.