ecology Archives < Appalachian Voices

Saving Appalachian streams for crayfish and communities

By AV's Intern Team | February 25, 2020 |

Two imperiled crayfish will have more protected habitat in Appalachian streams if a plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is approved. The agency is taking public comment now.

Volunteers Identify Old-Growth Forest

By AV's Intern Team | December 19, 2018 |

Volunteers with the Old-Growth Forest Network scout out stands of old-growth forest throughout the country to protect the unique forest habitats these trees provide.

Giant Hogweed Sprouting up in Appalachia

By Locke Curtis | August 9, 2018 |

New patches of Giant Hogweed, a toxic non-native invasive species, have been found in the eastern U.S., including Western North Carolina and parts of Virginia.

Wildflower Wonders

By AV's Intern Team | August 22, 2017 |

Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols of summer. As the season’s end nears, we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that blossom in late summer along mountain trails, forests and riverbeds.

Leave it to Beavers

By AV's Intern Team | April 13, 2017 |

Beavers are sometimes called “nature’s engineers,” and for good reason. By building lodges and dams as their homes, they physically alter the landscape to suit their own needs, similar to humans.

Mistaken Identity: Recognizing the northern water snake

By AV's Intern Team | August 12, 2016 |

The non-venomous northern water snake is frequently spotted at swimming holes and rivers in Appalachia — and sometimes mistaken for its venomous cousin, the copperhead.

The Butterfly Highway: Creating a Pollinator Pathway

By Molly Moore | April 14, 2016 |

The new “Butterfly Highway” in North Carolina will create a series of stopover points with milkweed and other native, flowering plants for migrating monarch butterflies.

Meet The Elusive American Woodcock

By Molly Moore | April 12, 2016 |

Characterized by a long bill, short and stout stature, extravagant mating display and a nickname like timberdoodle, the American Woodcock would seem to be a bird that stands out. But that is not the case.

The Coyote Conundrum

By AV's Intern Team | October 15, 2015 |

Coyote populations in the Appalachian region are growing, and increasingly they are adapting to urban settings. As a result, interactions with humans are becoming more common.