Written by Contributing Writers
Contributing Writers
Fighting for Black Lung Benefits for Miners and Families
Kathryn South’s husband, Mike South, was diagnosed with black lung disease at age 35. As they grappled with his disease, the couple also navigated the arduous legal process to obtain federal black lung benefits, a fight that Kathryn continued even after Mike’s passing.
The Root that Shaped a Region
Luke Manget, author of the book “Ginseng Diggers: A History of Root and Herb Gathering in Appalachia,” discusses the complex and impactful history of ginseng and root digging.
Contaminants Found in East Tennessee Springs
Springs are often assumed to be a safe, clean source of drinking water. But they can harbor a number of health hazards, as new research published in the journal Geosciences shows.
Native Plant Rescue Squad Aims to Boost the Biodiversity of Tennessee Neighborhoods
By saving native plants from destruction and helping these plants find new homes, the Native Plant Rescue Squad is “helping reconnect people to themselves through the natural world.”
Snorkelers Explore Appalachia’s Diverse Freshwater Life
The rivers and streams of southern Appalachia attract snorkelers with their wide variety of species and beautiful sites.
Virginia Agency Orders Bristol to Address Polluting Landfill
Residents are hopeful after the Bristol Virginia City Council responds to the state Department of Environmental Quality’s order to address landfill concerns.
Safe Passage: The I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Wildlife Crossing Project
A collaborative effort to make the Pigeon River Gorge section of I-40 safer for wildlife and humans is yielding results.
Chubs: A key species and a mystery
Snorkelers helped to uncover a population of river chubs in an unusual location.
Cultivating Communities Through Seed Saving
Seed saving allows gardeners and farmers to explore new varieties of the plants they grow while forming communities around the practice.
Researchers Discuss How Climate Change Impacts Health in Rural Mountain Communities
Researchers discussed how climate change will impact health in rural mountain communities during a recent workshop. Spoiler alert: hotter nights, more mosquito- and tick-borne disease, and effects on mental and maternal health.
