Citizen Science in Appalachia

From monitoring the health of local waterways to tracking the changing seasons, people from all walks of life are seizing the opportunity to participate in scientific projects. The movement known as citizen science is gaining popularity and credibility, allowing non-scientists to take part in real science and providing researchers with much larger amounts of information than they could otherwise gather themselves. Read on to learn about several projects seeking volunteers in Appalachia.

It’s an Invasion

Researchers and other individuals are fighting back against the invasive plants and beetles that are edging out and killing native plant species in Appalachia.

Keeping Eyes on Coal’s Impact

Citizen scientists surveil water quality near active and former coal mines to hold companies accountable to the law.

Vigilant Volunteers Monitor Pipeline Construction

Local residents are monitoring pipeline construction along the routes of several major projects. Some people are checking on the health of impacted streams, and others are deploying aerial surveillance.

Volunteers Identify Old-Growth Forest

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.

Documenting Environmental Changes

Citizen scientists use a mobile app to monitor seasonal life cycle phases of plants and animals along the Appalachian Trail, and use drones to monitor the habitats of Eastern hellbender salamanders.

Tracking Elusive Creatures

Volunteers are searching for an endangered bumblebee and using game cameras to spot local wildlife.

‘First Line of Defense’

During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.

Alice and Gary Stevens stand on their new 40-foot bridge with their dog in Watauga County, N.C.

The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery

Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.

Since the proposed federal prison near Roxana was first announced, it has faced opposition from some local residents. Photo by Willie Dodson

After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain

A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.

Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin after the storm. Photo courtesy of Ballad Health

The Washout and Rebuild

For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.

Shenandoah salamander. Photo by Rob and Ann Simpson

The Shenandoah Salamander

The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.

People gather around a basket of mushrooms in a forested area with ferns and other greenery

‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’

Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.