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Early this year, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust donated two non-contiguous parcels of land to Friends of Deckers Creek. Both are along Deckers Creek in Sabraton and have potential for community recreational possibilities.
The 12.87- and 6.59-acre parcels were once part of the Sterling Faucet Co. plant. J.W. Ruby came to Morgantown from Ohio prior to World War II to work in the plating department of Sterling Faucet and later was put in charge of the Morgantown plant and then became owner of Sterling Faucet.
Hazel Ruby McQuain was a businesswoman and philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to the construction of the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, named for her husband. She also donated to other West Virginia University facilities and community programs. The charitable trust continues her charitable work.
One land parcel the Hazel Ruby McQuain Trust donated to FODC has rail-trail access and the other has potential road access.
Use of this property will allow FODC to bring even more creek-adjacent recreational and educational options. The land has potential for biking, walking and hiking trails with educational signage, development of a park or an environmental education center. The center would be dedicated to informing residents of all ages about their watershed.
Friends of Deckers Creek is a 501c3 nonprofit watershed group based in Monongalia and Preston counties. Its mission is to improve the natural qualities of, increase the public concern for and promote the enjoyment of the Deckers Creek Watershed. It fulfills this mission through remediation projects, trash cleanups, beautification projects, community outreach and environmental education.
This land donation helps FODC continue its mission.
“Once again, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust’s generosity has provided for our community. This gift will permit us to further develop recreational and educational opportunities along the creek,” said Krista Kent, board president of FODC.
Project development on these sites will depend on funding and grants, and FODC will seek community input.
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