Written by Contributing Writers

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Contributing Writers

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.

Endangered species listing could help save Eastern hellbenders in Appalachian streams

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.

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ARP’s co-executive directors Tiffany (left) and Taysha DeVaughan (right) cut the ribbon at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on ARP’s land in Roxana, KY. (PC- Dr. Artie Ann Bates)

Community-based Indigenous organization acquires property on proposed federal prison site as part of grassroots effort to create a different future for Eastern Kentucky

The Appalachian Rekindling Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its recent purchase of a 63-acre plot of land within the currently designated boundaries of a federal prison proposed for construction in Letcher County, Kentucky.

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Photo of two people in front of an animal shelter with a colorful mural of a dog. Photo by Michael Chassereau from Forever and Always Photography.

Animal shelter finds the purr-fect solar solution to cutting costs

Funding for a rural Kentucky animal shelter was limited, but a cluster of federal grants made the installation of a solar array a real possibility. The project will reduce utility costs and serve as a clean energy example in a community that has long relied on the coal industry.

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Fern Way Bridge, North Carolina. Photo credit: Rev. Rob Morris, Executive Director, Christmount.

Community efforts to repair private roads and bridges underway in NC, hopeful for FEMA funding

Hurricane Helene washed out or damaged thousands of private roads, driveways and bridges in late September across multiple states, but many families are still waiting for help to rebuild access to their homes.

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graphic of valley so low cover

In “Valley so Low,” an environmental disaster creates a crisis for cleanup workers – and restitution proves elusive

“Valley So Low” explores 15 years of harm to the workers who cleaned up the Kingston Coal Ash Spill and their pursuit of justice.

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‘We are deserving of a voice:’ How Native American culture and connection fuel Venus Evans’ advocacy

Venus Evans’ desire for community among other Appalachian Native Americans has grown into advocating for tribes across Kentucky to be seen, recognized and supported.

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A depression in a rock ridge is filled with water. Clouds fill the valley below and sunrise colors the sky.

Seven Geological Wonders of Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are abundant with magnificent natural wonders. Here’s a sampling of stunning geological features within the region.

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A man points to a machine while speaking.

‘Every Stick:’ SWVA Biochar Uses Local Waste to Create Quality Soil

A Southwest Virginia company’s biochar product is carbon-negative and has applications in agriculture.

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A woman holds a spotted skunk.

Why Appalachia’s Spotted Skunk is so Rare

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.

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New Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water

The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.

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