An active construction site on a steep hillside shows building in progress on a retaining wall. Residential homes can be seen in the background.

Massive Funding Boost Spurs Coal Clean-up Efforts in Appalachia

Plans are underway to give Kentucky residents whose water supplies have been adversely affected by historic coal…

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Community Outcry in Person County: Concerns rise over proposed liquefied methane storage facility

Community members in Person County, North Carolina, and surrounding counties voiced concerns about the Moriah Energy Center — a liquefied methane gas storage facility proposed by Dominion Energy — during a public hearing on Aug. 1.

A book cover shows an owl, mushrooms, flowers, a moth, a firefly and a lizard. The text says, "Night Magic: Adventures Among Glowworms, Moon Gardens, and Other Marvels of the Dark." The author's name printed on the bottom of the cover is Leigh Ann Henion, New York Times bestselling author of "Phenomenal."

Bestselling Author Leigh Ann Henion Talks About Her Latest Book

By Lara Howell Appalachian Voices intern Lara Howell sat down with Leigh Ann Henion to discuss her…

A smiling older man in a hat (vertical), a younger man and woman side by side (top right), and and the same couple years later (lower right).

Coal Miners’ Widows Tell their Stories to Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey

Currently, some miners’ widows can lose their black lung benefits in certain situations. A bill Congress would help make the system more fair.

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‘We are deserving of a voice:’ How Native American culture and connection fuel Venus Evans’ advocacy

Venus Evans’ desire for community among other Appalachian Native Americans has grown into advocating for tribes across Kentucky to be seen, recognized and supported.

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Mountain Valley Pipeline’s restoration work causing even more issues

According to landowners along the path of the pipeline and state regulators, MVP continues its documented history of shoddy work and water quality violations in this final stage of construction.

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A woman smiles as she sits on a raft in a river holding a paddle.

Not-So-Smooth Sailing: Ann Rose hits a snag on her epic kayak journey

Undaunted by an equipment failure, Ann Rose continues her nearly 2,000-mile journey to raise awareness about water issues facing Appalachian farmers.

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A depression in a rock ridge is filled with water. Clouds fill the valley below and sunrise colors the sky.

Seven Geological Wonders of Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are abundant with magnificent natural wonders. Here’s a sampling of stunning geological features within the region.

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A woman holds a spotted skunk.

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.

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Endangered Tiny Tarantula Faces Habitat Loss

An endangered, tiny tarantula living in moss in the Appalachian Mountains is losing more of its habitat.

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A tan spider with dark markings on its back pulling a large, white egg sac behind it, is seen from a side angle

10 New Spider Species Discovered in Appalachia

Researchers have discovered 10 new spider species that have adapted to the subterranean habitat of Appalachian caves.

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A man sits beside a wooden shelter in the woods.

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.

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A couple sits atop the grassy summit of Max Patch, taking in the views under a beautiful blue sky dotted with white cumulous clouds.

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.

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A waterfall cascades over rocks down a forested hillside.

Special Sections Along the Appalachian Trail

We asked folks which sections of the Appalachian Trail are their favorites, and here’s what we found!

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A hand is seen holding an infrared camera screen.

Lowering Costs for Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Tax credits and rebates can help homeowners make energy-efficient upgrades.

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A man in a white shirt with his back to the camera uses a flexible tube to blow insulation into an attic.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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Dan Firth

Volunteer monitors coal mine data and maintains Appalachian…

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Mary Lou Dauray

Steadfast Support for Appalachian Voices  By Adam Wagner …

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Betsy Shepard

Betsy Shepard of Surry, Virginia is a dynamo….

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