How a skate park became a long-term disaster relief hub
What started as a simple act of checking in with each other after Hurricane Helene quickly turned into State Line Resource Station, a grassroots relief effort that has since provided thousands of people with food, supplies and long-term recovery assistance, operating out of Zionville Ramp Co., an indoor skate park in Trade, Tennessee.
Grazing in the sun: Enterprising farmers pair agriculture with solar power
Agrivoltaics is the practice of using land for both agricultural and solar energy production. It involves traditional ground-mounted solar arrays where panels are elevated or spaced out to allow for crop production, pollinator habitats or grazing. Advocates believe that when done well, the practice can numerous environmental and economic benefits for Appalachian communities.
Green jobs, healthy communities: A conversation with SEEED’s Stan Johnson and JD Jackson
SEEED, a nonprofit operating in Knoxville, Tenn., provides “pathways out of poverty for young adults through career readiness training, environmental education and community engagement.” The following is a Q&A with two members of the organization’s leadership team.
Endangered species listing could help save Eastern hellbenders in Appalachian streams
On Dec. 12, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a proposal to classify the Eastern hellbender, the largest aquatic salamander in North America, as endangered.
Community-based Indigenous organization acquires property on proposed federal prison site as part of grassroots effort to create a different future for Eastern Kentucky
The Appalachian Rekindling Project held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate its recent purchase of a 63-acre plot of land within the currently designated boundaries of a federal prison proposed for construction in Letcher County, Kentucky.
UPDATE: Pedestrian bridge opens for McAfee Knob trail crossing
Soon, Appalachian Trail hikers will be able to use a 90-foot-long, steel and concrete pedestrian bridge to move safely over Virginia 311 at McAfee Knob trail crossing.
Animal shelter finds the purr-fect solar solution to cutting costs
Funding for a rural Kentucky animal shelter was limited, but a cluster of federal grants made the installation of a solar array a real possibility. The project will reduce utility costs and serve as a clean energy example in a community that has long relied on the coal industry.
Helene’s lingering toll on Appalachian businesses
Once Hurricane Helene’s flood waters receded and the rebuilding process began, many small business owners were left unsure about their next steps.
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Stories from AppVoices' Front Porch Blog
Naturalist’s Notebook
Why Appalachia’s Spotted Skunk is so Rare
The eastern spotted skunk was not always as rare as it is today. Find out what researcher Emily Thorne has learned about this master of malodor.
Endangered Tiny Tarantula Faces Habitat Loss
An endangered, tiny tarantula living in moss in the Appalachian Mountains is losing more of its habitat.
10 New Spider Species Discovered in Appalachia
Researchers have discovered 10 new spider species that have adapted to the subterranean habitat of Appalachian caves.
Hiking the Highlands
UPDATE: Pedestrian bridge opens for McAfee Knob trail crossing
Soon, Appalachian Trail hikers will be able to use a 90-foot-long, steel and concrete pedestrian bridge to move safely over Virginia 311 at McAfee Knob trail crossing.
Views and Brews
There’s nothing better than some time on the trail followed by a smooth cup of java or something with a little kick. Enjoy this carefully crafted list of the perfect pairings.
How Max Patch Bald is Finally Healing
After overuse forced the closure of Max Patch Bald, efforts by the U.S. Forestry Service and trail groups to restore the area show dramatic progress.
This Green House
Lowering Costs for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades
Tax credits and rebates can help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades.
How Home Repairs Enable Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Funding for a Virginia program that helps low-income residents repair their homes and receive energy-efficiency upgrades is at risk.
What Can the New Clean Energy Programs Do For You?
Our guide breaks down what the new clean energy programs can do for your home, business and community.
Across Appalachia
New Effort to Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency set stricter limits on the levels of certain PFAS chemicals in drinking water and is providing funding to test and treat public water systems and private wells.
Study Predicts Five-fold Increase in Regional Wildfires
A recent study warns of a dramatic increase in the amount of land burned by wildfires in southern Appalachian forests, and provides information for fire and land management strategies.
Pisgah View, North Carolina’s Newest State Park, Moves Forward
A 1,300-acre land acquisition advances North Carolina’s newest state park to the master planning stage.
Energy Report
Biden Admin Finalizes Silica Rule Update
A new federal rule would cut miners’ exposure to silica dust, but miners and their advocates have concerns about whether industry will follow the new rule under the current enforcement mechanisms.
Reducing Methane Emissions from Wells Could Create Tens of Thousands of Jobs
Decommissioning unplugged oil and gas wells and reducing emissions at operating wells in accordance with new federal guidelines would create tens of thousands of jobs across four states, according to a recent report.
TVA Moves Forward with Kingston Gas Plant
Ignoring EPA concerns and calls from lawmakers for more transparency, Tennessee Valley Authority moved forward with plans to convert the Kingston Fossil Plant from coal to methane.
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