Written by AV's Intern Team
AV's Intern Team
Every year, Appalachian Voices is fortunate to assemble a phenomenal team of rockstar interns from numerous Appalachian and East Coast universities. Enjoy these posts from our interns.
Wildflower Wonders
Wildflowers are one of Appalachia’s most vibrant symbols of summer. As the season’s end nears, we explore a few beautiful, unique flowers that blossom in late summer along mountain trails, forests and riverbeds.
Communities Aim to Solve the Opioid Epidemic
Opioid abuse is on the rise across America, and Appalachia has been hit particularly hard. In response, some local governments and treatment centers are trying new treatment methods, with varying degrees of success. Efforts are also underway to curb the availability of opioid prescriptions and eliminate the stigma associated with addiction.
A Burning Issue: The Health Costs of Coal Ash
Coal ash has been linked to a number of health problems, and community concerns have spurred researchers from the University of North Carolina to investigate drinking water wells in the state.
Traversing the Rock Formations at Kentucky’s Natural Bridge
On the outskirts of the Red River Gorge, hikers at Natural Bridge State Resort Park walk among natural sandstone structures and climb stairs amid thickets of rhododendron and the shade of hemlocks.
Two Interstate Pipelines Clear Regulatory Hurdles Despite Opposition
As the Mountain Valley and Atlantic Coast pipelines clear some of the regulatory hurdles in their way, communities have rallied to state public hearings on water quality certifications to voice their opposition.
Appalachian Access to Affordable Healthcare
Changes in federal health policy could leave even more residents without adequate access to healthcare — and increase the number of patients who rely on nonprofit safety net clinics. In Southwest Virginia, the grassroots group We Care aims to create more dialogue between the public and legislators about the healthcare system.
Problems Persist for Rover and Mariner East 2 Pipelines During Construction
Construction of two natural gas pipelines has contaminated wetlands or local drinking water systems. State judges and agencies have halted construction in response.
West Virginia Acquires Land for Newly Reintroduced Elk
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is working to increase public land for reintroduced elk herds.
Virginia and North Carolina Vow Climate Action As U.S. Withdraws from Paris Agreement
The governors of North Carolina and Virginia signed a letter agreeing to meet necessary leadership for commitment to Paris Agreement, and Virginia moves forward with plans to limit carbon dioxide emissions.
RECLAIM Act Passes House Committee
A bill to accelerate the reclamation of abandoned coal mines and revitalize local economies moved forward and could be voted on this fall.
