Written by Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
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.
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.
‘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.
Colorblind Viewfinders Make Appalachian State Parks More Accessible
Virginia State Parks is the first park system in the nation to have a colorblind viewfinder at each one of its 43 locations — thanks to the dedication of one park ranger. Other states are following suit.
The Future of Film is in West Virginia
Many well-known TV and film productions have developed out of the Mountain State in years past, but the West Virginia Film Office is looking to the future to continue to grow the film industry.
Preserving Firefly Magic
Deep within an undisturbed forest in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, visitors may spot a continuous blue glow unlike anything they have ever seen before. That glow is the blue ghost firefly.
Overdrive: Fossil Fuels in Appalachia
Electricity demand is on the rise. Here, we share snapshots of energy trends in the region and how methane gas, coal and data centers are affecting our communities — and how people are pushing back.
Many ‘Permitting Reform’ Proposals Would Further Strip Environmental Protections, Weaken Public Input
Legislators and the Trump administration are pushing changes to environmental laws under the banner of “permitting reform.”
The Feral Ponies of Grayson Highlands
Grayson Highlands State Park is always enchanting, but the real magic of the park is the ponies. Learn more about their life in the park and the people who help them thrive.
On the Trail of Songbirds in Appalachia
From dense forests to fields to high elevations, Appalachia offers many opportunities to see many beautiful birds on hikes throughout the region.
