West Liberty U receives 35 acres to expand housing, conservation research, and outdoor learning

West Virginia’s West Liberty University has received a 35-acre wooded tract, known as West Woods, valued at more than  $1.2 million. The gift was made by Phyllis West, whose family are longtime WLU benefactors. The property includes six cabins and additional buildings and will be used to expand student housing, research, and conservation education. Located adjacent to the Appalachian Aquatic Conservation Center, the site will support hands-on learning in biology, environmental science, and sustainability-focused fieldwork. Future improvements include a greenhouse and outdoor classrooms, expanded experiential education opportunities and community-based conservation and outreach programming.