Located just south of Charleston, West Virginia, Kanawha State Forest is a 9,000+ acre forest with over 25 miles of trails and many amenities for local and national visitors, including a beautiful old-growth tract of 1,350 acres. For over 30 years, the forest has been protected and preserved by the passionate volunteers of the Kanawha State Forest Foundation (KSFF). With about 150 members, the nonprofit organization completes numerous projects each year, and in 2020 they designed and installed new interpretive trail signage.
“This project helps hikers, bikers, and mobility-limited visitors to Kanawha State Forest become advocates for the conservation of old-growth forests.” —Doug Wood, Board Member, Kanawha State Forest Foundation
Pannier manufactured 14 Fiberglass Embedded panels, 10 single-sided Upright exhibit bases, and 2 double-sided Upright exhibit bases for the KSFF volunteers to install along the trails. To achieve the visibility needed, Pannier’s Upright exhibit bases are designed with posts available in a variety of lengths. They are perfect for maps, safety messages, or other important information. The signage stands out beautifully among the foliage and the colorful graphics and clear photos draw in visitors.
“We have worked with Pannier on numerous projects and are always impressed with the high-quality work and helpful, problem-solving staff. The signs were relatively easy to carry to less-accessible locations in the forest and installing them was an enjoyable activity for our team.” —Doug Wood, Board Member, Kanawha State Forest Foundation
Topics on the interpretive trail signage range from old-forest history, identifying flora and fauna, important scientific research, and of course, what visitors can do to continue to preserve this recreational resource.
“Old-growth forests are extremely important for a myriad of environmental and economic reasons, particularly for carbon sequestration and decreasing the impacts of global warming.” —Doug Wood, Board Member, Kanawha State Forest Foundation
Through the various projects completed, like the interpretive trail signage, the KSFF advances the goals of the citizens, forest administration, and the Department of Natural Resources. This effort is always in the context of remaining true to the vision of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which originally built the historic structures of Kanawha State Forest. The KSFF also serves as a channel for public donations or funds directed toward further enhancing or developing the forest.
For more information on Pannier’s outdoor signs, panels, exhibit bases, and frames, browse our website or fill out a contact form. We look forward to an opportunity to help you with your next signage project.
