Near Morgantown in Monongalia County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
From Water Resource to Public Garden
The Story of the Tibbs Run Reservoir
| — | West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve | — |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 26, 2026
1. From Water Resource to Public Garden Marker
A Landscape Transformed
For much of the 20th century, the Tibbs Run Reservoir supplied Morgantown with fresh mountain water. By the late 1960s, as new reservoirs and the Monongahela River became the city's primary sources, Tibbs Run water was no longer needed. The reservoir was retired in 1969, and for more than a decade the site became an informal recreation area where locals came to fish, swim, and picnic. That era came to a close when the reservoir was drained in 1980, leaving behind a quiet forest, an emergent wetland, and the foundations of a new story.
In 2000, community volunteers began transforming this land into the West Virginia Botanic Garden. From those early efforts grew a place where forests, gardens, and trails invite people to connect with nature in new ways. Today, as the state's flagship public garden, it stands as a nonprofit resource for science, education, recreation, and tourism - welcoming visitors from across West Virginia and beyond. Every path, garden, and program reflects the dedication of volunteers and supporters who continue to shape this living treasure for generations to come.
(Captions):
Aerial photo of reservoir and surrounding area in 1972, when it was primarily used for recreation.
The first on-site building was completed in 2016 and the Garden continues to grow. The Education Center and surrounding Yagle Garden serve as the backdrop for many public workshops, concerts, festivals, dinners, and celebrations.
Erected 2026
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.
Location. 39° 37.686′ N, 79° 52.171′ W. Marker is near Morgantown, West Virginia, in Monongalia County. It can be reached from Tyrone Road (County Route 75) 0.1 miles south of Quartz Drive, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located on the Reservoir Loop Trail at the West Virginia Botanic Garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1061 Tyrone Road, Morgantown WV 26508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Clean Mountain Water?
Photographed by Bradley Owen, September 26, 2026
2. From Water Resource to Public Garden Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Tibbs Run Reservoir: Then a Water Source, Now a Local Treasure (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "Clean Mountain Water" Not So Clean (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Who Wants Clean Water? (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Remnants of the Past: The Dam and Outlet Tower (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Ralph Lemley: Resourceful Caretaker (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced another at this location.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 2, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 2 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 2, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
