Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Monday, Sept. 14, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV COMMERCE – Protecting the places that make West Virginia wild and wonderful
The West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund is accepting applications for its latest round of land-protection grants. Applications are due Oct. 31.
Projects can protect important wildlife habitat, working forests and farmland, as well as areas used for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation.
Both large and small grant applications will be accepted, with grants over $25,000 considered large projects. This year, up to $700,000 may be awarded in total.
The Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund was created by the West Virginia Legislature to conserve important natural areas and recreational spaces. Its work includes acquiring property interests and supporting conservation projects through competitive grants.
Learn more:
https://commerce.wv.gov/boards-commissions/outdoor-heritage-conservation-fund/
#2 – From WV PRESS – Blenko puts West Virginia fall colors in glass
Blenko Glass Company has released its 2026 fall collection, appropriately named “Something Colorful This Way Comes.”
The collection draws inspiration from West Virginia’s autumn colors, scenery and Appalachian character. Operations Manager Kris Dillon-Tomblin says the company tries to draw from what’s around it and keep its designs rooted in Appalachia.
The lineup includes colorful suncatchers with names like Midnight Meow and Coven Queen, along with Trick ‘R Treat Pumpkin Pails, Spellbound Hats and other seasonal pieces.
Want to see how it’s done?
Blenko’s Flannel, Fire & Finds event is set for October 24, featuring a warehouse sale, live demonstrations, the reopened Garden of Glass and a chance to sign up to blow your own glass pumpkin.
#3 – From WV PRESS – Building a generation of West Virginia readers
Dolly Parton believed putting books in children’s hands could change their lives. Read Aloud West Virginia wants to help carry that commitment forward.
The organization has launched a September fundraising campaign honoring Parton and her Imagination Library. For donations made in her memory this month, Read Aloud West Virginia will share the money dollar for dollar with Imagination Library partners in West Virginia.
The two programs tackle literacy at different stages.
The Imagination Library provides books from birth through age five. Read Aloud West Virginia focuses primarily on school-aged children, using volunteer readers, family engagement and access to books to help children develop a love of reading.
Read Aloud West Virginia is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The organization has formal programs in 28 counties, some presence in 40 and responds to teacher requests for books from all 55 West Virginia counties. That’s where this campaign comes in.
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
