Canaan Valley Institute

Everything Starts With Water

Working for clean water and vibrant communities

A clear river flows through lush green trees under a blue sky, reflecting restored clean water and thriving habitats in Central Appalachia.

At Canaan Valley Institute (CVI), we believe clean water is the foundation of healthy, thriving communities. For nearly three decades, we’ve partnered with landowners, local leaders, government officials, and conservation-minded individuals and organizations to restore rivers, protect streams and habitats, and support thriving, sustainable communities across Central Appalachia.

Whether it’s removing pollution, restoring streambanks, or bringing outdoor science education to life for local schools, we’re here to create a future where nature and people thrive together.

What We Do…

  • Habitat Restoration – Staff and volunteers restore a streambank, stabilizing the soil and improving water quality to create a healthier habitat for wildlife and aquatic life.

    Habitat Restoration

    Improving Water Quality and Habitat

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  • Wastewater – A septic system upgrade helps reduce water pollution, improving sanitation and protecting water sources in the local community.

    Wastewater

    Reducing Water Pollution

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  • Outreach and Education – A group of students gathers outdoors for an environmental field study, learning about ecosystems, conservation, and hands-on restoration work.

    Outreach and Education

    Training a New Generation

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CVI has an exemplary staff dedicated to our mission!

Our staff are able to identify creative solutions to our area’s water quality issues. Our projects have allowed us to help communities throughout the mid-Atlantic region become happier, healthier, and safer for this and future generations.

Gail Berrigan Executive Director of Canaan Valley Institute

Gail Berrigan
Executive Director

What our partners are saying...

  • Logo of Tazewell Soil & Water Conservation District

    “CVI has become a valuable partner to TSWCD, and the landowners in Tazewell County, to protect our water resources.”

    Mike Horne

    Conservation Technician- Tazewell Soil & Water Conservation District

  • Logo of Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

    “This CVI organization truly understands the need for clean, healthy watersheds, and we value our strong partnership with CVI.”

    Bill Kittrell

    Regional Fisheries Manager- Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries

  • Logo of Get Hooked Fishing

    “Thanks to Canaan Valley Institute, fishermen like us will be able to catch healthier fish in the well managed waters of Southwest Virginia!”

    Rodney Baker

    Get Hooked Fishing

See Our Impact in Our Communities

  • A restored stream in Tazewell's Dunford Park with stabilized stream banks, riparian buffer plantings, and improved habitat following successful restoration and stabilization work.

    Restoring Tazewell’s Dunford Park

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  • CVI staff use machinery to place rounded boulders in the river, creating rock clusters to support fish habitat and restore the ecosystem.

    Restoring Streambanks in Chilhowie Town Park

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  • Image showing a historic mill dam on the Little River in Tazewell County. Dams disrupt natural water flow and block aquatic species' access to upstream and downstream habitats.

    Restoring Connectivity in Tazewell County

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  • Tuscarora Creek after dam removal, with realigned stream channels and improved habitat connectivity for aquatic species.

    Enhancing Opequon Creek’s Ecosystem

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