Naturalists Notebook Archives < Appalachian Voices

Endangered species listing could help save Eastern hellbenders in Appalachian streams

By Contributing Writers | February 6, 2025 |

MountainTrue's Watauga Riverkeeper Andy Hill holding and Eastern Hellbender that will be relocated prior the the demolition of the Shulls Mill Dam. Photo courtney of Karim Olaechea, MountainTrue.

On Dec. 12, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposal to classify the Eastern hellbender, the largest aquatic salamander in North America, as endangered.

Why Appalachia’s Spotted Skunk is so Rare

By Contributing Writers | May 9, 2024 |

The eastern spotted skunk was not always as rare as it is today. Find out what researcher Emily Thorne has learned about this master of malodor.

Endangered Tiny Tarantula Faces Habitat Loss

By Contributing Writers | October 27, 2023 |

An endangered, tiny tarantula living in moss in the Appalachian Mountains is losing more of its habitat.

10 New Spider Species Discovered in Appalachia

By Contributing Writers | October 27, 2023 |

A tan spider with dark markings on its back pulling a large, white egg sac behind it, is seen from a side angle

Researchers have discovered 10 new spider species that have adapted to the subterranean habitat of Appalachian caves.

Bewitched Botany

By Contributing Writers | October 20, 2023 |

Dried stalks and seed pods stand out against trees and a blue sky mottled by clouds.

Discover the sinister beauty of four toxic plants that call the mystical Appalachian Mountains home: pokeweed, dolls’ eyes, climbing nightshade and jimsonweed.

Chasing the Light of Bioluminescence

By Contributing Writers | August 3, 2023 |

Bright yellow, green and blue squiggles of lightweave through a dark, forest floor.

Something enchanting lives in Appalachia’s forests. From green glows to bright sparks, bioluminescent lights glow in the summer nights.

Saving the Tiny Bog Turtle Could Have a Big Impact on Conservation

By Contributing Writers | April 25, 2023 |

a dark bog turtle with yellow markings on its neck

A petition to protect southern bog turtles under the Endangered Species Act could also help protect their mountain bog homes. But with diminishing habitat and other threats, time could run out for North America’s smallest turtles.

Northern Long-Eared Bats Added to Endangered Species List

By AV's Intern Team | February 23, 2023 |

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently classified northern long-eared bats as endangered, which could help save the species most impacted by the deadly fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome.

Native Plant Rescue Squad Aims to Boost the Biodiversity of Tennessee Neighborhoods

By Contributing Writers | August 25, 2022 |

three smiling people and a dog in a greenhouse

By saving native plants from destruction and helping these plants find new homes, the Native Plant Rescue Squad is “helping reconnect people to themselves through the natural world.”