The Appalachian Voice
Ecology vs. The Changing Climate
A Game of Knowns, Unknowns, and Unknown Unknowns By Sarah Vig When it comes to climate change, “we have the knowns, the unknowns, and the unknown unknowns,” said Steve McNulty, an ecologist with the U.S. Forest Service. According to McNulty, the “knowns” are scenarios scientists can expect to develop with climate change and managers have…
Read MoreAppalachia and Our Changing Planet
By Bill Kovarik Appalachia has always been a refuge for biodiversity. During the last ice age 20,000 years ago, the Appalachian mountains were a Noah’s Ark for thousands of species until the glaciers receded. In the 19th and 20th centuries, many of our own species trooped off to spend their summers in the mountains, flocking…
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Top 10 Arguments Used By Climate Skeptics
(And Why They’re Wrong)
By Dr. Matthew Wasson, Ph.D. The debate is over — at least in the scientific community. Over ninety-four percent of experts in the field agree that the climate is warming due to human activity. In 1998, nearly 75% of Americans believed that “solid evidence” of climate change existed. Due to a well-funded campaign by the…
Read MoreThe Coal Report
Coal Industry Backlash Against Clean Water Act Continues By Sandra Diaz Much to the ire of the coal industry, the Environmental Protection Agency has taken unprecedented steps to mitigate coal-related pollution on Appalachian waterways over the past two years. The coal industry is fighting back, and leveraging the new, anti-regulatory political climate in order to…
Read MoreAcme McCrary: Shaping legs and sustainability in the textile industry
“A successful merchandise lineup hangs on the right products…and the right partner. Coincidentally, we offer both.” – Acme McCrary —Story by Kyle Wolff Textile plant Acme McCrary is out to prove that big industries can make a big impact. The company’s Pritchard Street facility in Asheboro, N.C., is home to one of the country’s largest…
Read MoreExplore the highlands of Kentucky
Kentucky’s Pine Mountain Trail By Sam Adams The first impression when entering the southern end of the Highland Section of the Pine Mountain Trail is that it is going to be an easy walk. The trail enters the forest where U.S. 119 crests Kentucky’s second-highest mountain near Whitesburg, and abruptly starts downhill. The word “trail”…
Read MoreEnvironmental Summer Camps
Summer is just around the corner and that means it’s time for summer camps! Environmental programs can help your child become a stronger individual, make lifelong friends and foster independence while learning about the outdoors. We compiled this list of environmental summer camps to help you get your kids outside and learning. —By Kaley Bellanti…
Read MoreEarth Day 2011
Story by Kaley Bellanti The first question everyone should ask folks in Appalachia this April is, “What are you doing for the 41st annual Earth Day?” The answer is a little more complicated, because of the array of events taking place throughout the region. From a recycling contest to dumpster diving, the fairs and exhibitions…
Read MoreSolar decathlon, JOBS solar project… see what’s happening Across Appalachia
ASU in the Running for Solar Decathlon By Jesse Wood Students at Appalachian State University are striving to be shining examples of sustainability by building the best model home on the planet. ASU’s Solar Homestead team is one of 20 universities from around the globe competing in this year’s U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon,…
Read MoreTake Me to the River(Fest)
By Parker Stevens, Festival Coordinator Start your summer with a splash at the 2nd annual Appalachian Voices’ RiverFest and membership gathering, slated for June 4 in beautiful Valle Crucis, N.C., on the banks of the Watauga River. At this year’s RiverFest, folks will have the opportunity to try their hand at making Japanese-style fish prints,…
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