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Teaching the Natural World
By Molly Moore It’s 9:30 a.m., and the sun has yet to offer its full warmth to the fifth-grade class clustered along the bank of the North Toe River in Spruce Pine, N.C. Several students warily eye the chilly current and one girl pulls her arms into her sweatshirt, insulating herself from the cool morning.…
Read MoreGetting Wild in Dolly Sods Wilderness
By Joe Tennis Julie Fosbender stepped carefully down the trail called Fisher Spring Run, heading downhill on a Monday morning. We hiked together for almost two miles along this unmarked-yet-mapped path in the Dolly Sods Wilderness, an expansive and scenic section of the Monongahela National Forest. The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a hiker’s dream, spanning…
Read MoreReady, Aim, Click: Photo Competition Accepting Entries
Now is your chance to showcase your interpretation of the unique character, people, places and pursuits that distinguish the Appalachian region. The Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition is accepting submissions from amateur and professional photographers for their 10th annual juried exhibition. The show is sponsored by the Outdoor Programs department at Appalachian State University, the Blue…
Read MoreWildlife Center Sues for Survival, Bad Fracking Rules for Tenn., Other Shorts
Wildlife Center Sues for Survival A non-profit wildlife center known for rehabilitating thousands of animals including red-winged hawks, great horned owls and bobcats has filed a lawsuit against the resort town of Beech Mountain, N.C., for what it says is unjust and illegal treatment. According to Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, a new ordinance was passed by…
Read MoreFederal Grants for Troubled Appalachian Species | W.Va. Superfund Cleanup
Federal Grants To Assist Troubled Appalachian Species A round of special funding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $33 million toward helping threatened and endangered species in 21 states, including several projects in the Central and Southern Appalachian region. In Cumberland County, Tenn., more than $700,000 will protect aquatic resources and improve habitat…
Read MoreBidding Farewell to a Mountain of a Man
By Lenny Kohm Larry Gibson was an exceptional man – a warrior for the mountains that he loved, an advocate for justice, and a mentor to the thousands of people all across the country who joined with him in his struggle to end the daily tragedy that is mountaintop removal coal mining. I first met…
Read MoreA Short Hiss-tory of Timber Rattlesnakes
By Matt Grimley Imagine yourself in the mountains, climbing near large rocks. Suddenly, from an outcropping near your feet, you hear something. It rattles like a maraca, you think, but not as festively. Congratulations: you found a timber rattlesnake! Historically, it has not been hard to happen upon Crotalus horridus. This snake can be found…
Read MoreBig Coal, Utilities Dominate Virginia Energy Policy, Report Says
Citizens Highlight Money in Politics on Eve of Governor’s Energy Conference Appalachian Voices * Sierra Club Virginia * Chesapeake Climate Action Network For Immediate Release October 2, 2012 Contacts: Tom Cormons, Appalachian Voices, 434-981-6506, [email protected] Glen Besa, Sierra Club Virginia, 804-387-6001, [email protected] Beth Kemler, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, 202-641-0955, [email protected] Richmond – In advance of…
Read MoreCalendar August/September
Floyd Country Store Traditional Appalachian Music Thurs.-Sat. throughout summer: The Floyd Country Store, home of the Friday night Jamboree, hosts regional Appalachian music Thursdays through Sunday. Visit: floydcountrystore.com Holler in the Holler 2012 Aug. 10-12: An annual music and arts festival in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy a variety of music from bluegrass…
Read MoreODEC Puts Coal Plant on Ice
Wise Energy for Virginia For Immediate Release – August 9, 2012 ODEC Puts Plans for Coal Plant On Ice Clean energy groups rejoice but vow to stay vigilant ——————————————————————- Contact: Mike McCoy, Appalachian Voices (434) 293-6373 Beth Kemler, Chesapeake Climate Action Network (804) 335-0915 Glen Besa, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter (804) 387-6001 Cale Jaffe, Southern…
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