In the back, you will find thermometers, clocks, simple weather gauges, animal deterrents including owls with rotating heads, deer netting, scare tape, window guards and special brushes for cleaning bird baths and feeders.
      In addition to being a member of Berkeley Springs Chamber of Commerce, Nature Niche is a sponsoring member of the Morgan County Ecology Coalition. "We work to protect the county's natural assets and to share their benefits following ‘green’ practices with members of the community as well as visitors," Webb said.   The coalition sponsors a Red Bud festival in April, a birding event called “Bring Back the Buzzards” in May,
 hikes to introduce folks to the environment and encourage future hiking trails as well as offering a variety of workshops to educate and bring fun to adults and children.
      On the first Friday of each month, Travel Berkeley Springs encourages stores to remain open until 8PM so that folks can leisurely visit.   Nature Niche takes this opportunity to sponsor an informal an educational discussion in the store from 5:00PM-8:00PM.  On November 5th, representatives from the West Virginia Division of Forestry will discuss Fire Wise procedures for protecting you home in the woods.  On December 3rd, Kerry Noon of Sleepy Creek Tree Farm will be on had to discuss and demonstrate advantages of various kinds of Christmas trees, caring for you tree, and making live roping and table decorations.  In addition, Nature Niche has a unique selection of Christmas ornaments for you tree…..squirrels, leaves, hedgehogs, beehives, ducks, raccoons, peanuts, watermelon, pickles, fish, frogs and many more.
      Stop by Nature Niche in Berkeley Springs to find a huge selection of items for your home and garden, educational toys and projects for kids and gifts for everyone on your list.  You can contact Judy at Nature Niche for more information at natureniche@natureniche.biz  or call 304-258-0992.

Press Release

Nature Niche Opens Up in Berkeley Springs

      As the name implies, Nature Niche in Berkeley Springs offers a large selection of products related to nature.  Judy Webb, owner, says the business is unique to the area because it is a "niche specialty store" specializing in items that relate to nature in West Virginia.
      Webb's passion in life has always been a love of nature and longing to be surrounded by it.   Fifteen years ago she began coming to Berkeley Springs on weekends from her home in Alexandria, Virginia.  She loved the area including its small town atmosphere and friendly people.  When she was able to move to West Virginia permanently, her passion became a reality with opening of  Nature Niche in the spring of 2004.  
      Nature Niche offers a great selection of useful, educational and entertaining products that relate to nature. The store’s unique product selection and genuine commitment to customers distinguishes it from other types of businesses in the area. 
      Nature Niche has an array of products that invite people to feel close to nature while at home — from harmonic wind chimes, to unique tinkling toad stools.  And then there is an assortment of decorative toads that croak, measure rain, become plant holders, hide-a-key, serve as a drain spout to simply sitting on shelf to amuse.
      As you might expect, Nature Niche offers a variety of things ‘for the birds’ including bird food, roosting boxes, houses, and squirrel restive bird feeders.   (However, you will also find an entertainment center just for the squirrels.)   There are small ponds with water fall fountains suitable for decks or gardens for the birds to use as well as heated bird baths for the winter.  One of their best sellers is the “Water Wiggler” that sits in a bird bath to keep the water moving thus attracting birds and preventing mosquitoes in the summer and deterring icing in the winter. 
      There is a wonderful selection of stainless steel gardening tools with ergonomic handles as well as nice selection of garden gloves.  On sunny days, you attention will be drawn to the store because they often display garden spinners in the front lawn.  The most popular is a green and yellow tractor, however, there are flying pigs, horses, and cows as well as beautiful bees, cardinals, finch and woodpeckers.  Also there are realistic bird kites made of tyvek that can be flown in your yard not only for decoration but to scare away small garden pests.
   If you are a hiker, you will find walking sticks, maps, Audubon binoculars and tree and bird identifiers.   There are books and CD’s relating the wild life in the area as well as puzzles and educational games.  Fishermen will find hand tied lures made and tested by local fishermen.  For children there are soft fuzzy animals, bizzark glasses, insect cages, backpacks, and build it yourself bat houses.