By Marsha W. Johnston
Developers say the future for wind energy in Appalachia remains bright despite a federal court decision that has imposed requirements under the Endangered Species Act.
In 2009, the Animal Welfare Institute sued to stop a project on Beech Ridge in Greenbrier County, W. Va., which it said posed a threat to the endangered Indiana bat.
(more…)
Dear Editor,
I am writing on behalf of myself and many coal miners throughout Southwest Virginia. I am a reader of your newspaper and an avid outdoorsman and conservationist.
(more…)
The last few months have shocked us all with headlines reporting the fossil fuel industry’s negligent disregard for security and safety.
(more…)
By Maureen Halsema
Send scraps to the compost pile.
Instead of tossing those table scraps in the trash, try feeding your lawn those leftovers. Composting is a natural recycling process that takes little to no management. Follow these quick guidelines to a hardier, healthier lawn.
(more…)
Jillian Varkas
Mulched flower beds offset the lawn areas at Sunflower Farm vacation rental in Barnardsville, N.C. Photo by Joan Naylor
If you are not convinced that organic gardening and knowing what goes into your ground is important, place a few sticks of celery in a cup full of water and add red food coloring.
(more…)
By Bill Kovarik
Experts call for stronger standards for organic labeling process. Photo by USDA.
The USDA certified “Organic” label first appeared on foods in 2002 following 12 years of testing, rulemaking and controversy. By last year, organic agriculture had become a $26.6 billion business, growing at a rate of 5.3 percent per year – five times faster than regular foods.
As its importance has grown, so too has controversy over what can be appropriately labeled “organic.”
(more…)
Collecting ginseng, ramps and yellowroot has been an Appalachian tradition for generations.
It is a skill that families pass on; recognizing, harvesting and even selling these non-timber forest resources, particularly in southern Appalachian hardwood forests.
(more…)
By Maureen Halsema
Leavell loves both his trees and his piano, which he would not have without trees. Photo by Roger Gupta
He is a champion of trees, fighting for them in the legislative arena, teaching about them on educational platforms, and managing them on Charlane Plantation, his 25,000-acre tree farm southeast of Macon, Ga.
(more…)
By Julie Johnson
Young kids at play in their pen. Photo by Julie Johnson.
John and Andrea Woodworth operate a small goat dairy farm outside of Gate City, Va. Thirty-five alpine goats provide the family with enough milk to make a variety of cheeses, which they sell at local farmers markets as well as online.
(more…)
Story by Bill Kovarik
Young Journey Emmons display's spring sunflower sprouts at her parent's Harmony Acre Soap Company stand during the Watauga County, N.C.farmers market.
Stroll through any farmer’s market and you’ll find a riot of color, taste, and sensation.
And, quite likely, crowds of consumers.
Farmers markets are the most visible sign of rapid change in agriculture. For consumers it means healthier choices, better tasting vegetables and a new relationship with the farmers. For farmers, it means more income, more opportunities for young farmers and better environmental practices.
(more…)