Written by Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Clogging Extraordinaire: Arthur Grimes Keeps on Dancing
Clogger Arthur Grimes has danced his own singular path all the way from his family home in the town’s traditionally African-American Junaluska neighborhood to the most hallowed stages alongside roots music royalty.
Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions; Virginia Creeper Trail; Seed Swaps
Compilation of Across Appalachia articles about reducing wildlife vehicle collisions in West Virginia, restoring the Virginia Creeper Trail and the history of seed swaps.
Rebuilding Roads and Rethinking Rivers
After Helene, communities must grapple with how to balance repairing infrastructure, preserving and repairing the structure of the Pigeon and Rocky Broad rivers, and protecting aquatic life.
River Cleanup of Helene Debris Continues
As the region continues to recover after Hurricane Helene, a look at cleanup efforts in East Tennessee and Western North Carolina reveals lessons about how to improve the cleanup of public waterways after future floods.
Saving the Ruffed Grouse, Appalachia’s Woodland Drummer
The ruffed grouse is a woodland bird that lives in young, regenerative forests in Appalachia and is considered one of the most commonly hunted birds for sport. The ruffed grouse has black or dark brown feathers on their neck, which they can raise into a distinctive collar — the ruff that gives them their name.
Noquisiyi Mound Returns to Cherokee Ownership
The Noquisiyi Mound is a sacred and historically significant Cherokee site in what is now Franklin, North Carolina, that was recently returned to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In January, the Franklin City Council voted unanimously to return the mound to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. One month later, the deed was officially signed.
‘Living the AmeriCorps Dream’?
Hundreds of projects throughout Appalachia received support from AmeriCorps national service members this year before the agency became the target of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency in April. The White House cancelled $400 million in AmeriCorps grants unilaterally, forcing some programs to immediately wrap for the year. Some states later had funding restored after a lawsuit led by attorneys general, and the next cycle of grants from the program is expected to continue this year.
Whitewater Kayaking Race to Return with a Course Transformed by Hurricane Helene
Paddlers will soon return to the whitewater river of Western North Carolina for the world’s largest extreme kayaking event. After the destruction of Hurricane Helene sent the renowned Green Race on a yearlong hiatus, the paddling community is gearing up for the race’s 30th year on Nov. 1, which will look much different with the Green River’s course reshaped by the storm.
Appalachia’s Funkiest Fungi
Don’t miss 10 of Appalachia’s funkiest fungi! From Bleeding Tooth Fungus to Dead Man’s Fingers, we’ve selected the weirdest of the weird fungi. Hopefully you can find and appreciate some of these beautiful and fascinating local residents in your neck of the woods.
Protected Paths: Trails Through Public Lands
This series features lesser-known trails in Appalachia’s public lands. They show the beauty and significance of hiking on public lands.
