April/May 2016

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Other Top Stories

Industrial Hemp Offers Hope to Appalachia’s Farmers and Environment

Virginia farmers will soon be able to grow hemp for industrial purposes — albeit with restrictions. Industrial hemp farming is also being explored to varying degrees in Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina.

Service, Music and Community at Appalachian South Folklife Center

The Appalachian South Folklife Center in southern West Virginia has weathered many storms over the past half century, yet continues to provide help to residents in need, education for youth, and a safe harbor for activists.

FloydFest: Celebrating Music and Mountains

For the second year in a row, Appalachian Voices and Floydfest are teaming up to encourage and promote stewardship of the Appalachian region, blending the joyous atmosphere of a music festival with opportunities to learn about environmental threats to the mountains and discover ways to get involved.

Environmental Summer Camps 2016

Browse our online listing of summer camp programs for all ages . The majority of these regional camps emphasize environmental sciences and sustainability, with outdoor activities including hiking, wilderness skills, field science and more.

Columns

Hiking the Highlands

Climbing the Highlands

Appalachia offers climbers challenging routes in beautiful settings, and the region’s geology invites adventurers of all styles and abilities. And in return, the sport of climbing provides an opportunity for economic development for areas around these rock formations.

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Naturalist’s Notebook

Meet The Elusive American Woodcock

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.

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This Green House

Power of Cooperation: Co-ops put solar on rooftops

By banding together in solar cooperatives, residents are negotiating better prices for home solar installations, supporting each other through the process, and becoming more empowered solar advocates.

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Politics

RECLAIMing Central Appalachia

A rare bipartisan proposal aims to tackle two pressing issues related to the flailing coal industry — the need for new economic opportunities in central Appalachia and repairing environmental damage from decades of mining.

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Environmental Votetracker — April/May 2016

See how Appalachian congressional representatives voted on several environmental issues during February and March 2016.

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Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight: Tracey Wright

Appalachian Voices Board Secretary Tracey Wright isn’t one to sit back and wait for change to happen — she strives to do all she can to advocate for environmental protection and inspire others to work for change.

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