Dec 2015/Jan 2016
Other Top Stories
West Virginia Communities Still at Risk Despite Idled Mines
West Virginia communities, including Naoma and Sundial are still dealing with problems related to mountaintop removal coal mining. Toxic coal slurry impoundments, increased blasting and diminished water quality are among the challenges facing such communities at risk.
Powering Up: Diversifying central Appalachia’s economy
As coal production continues to decline, many citizens and groups in Central Appalachia are working hard to find new avenues for economic diversification.
Two New Children’s Books Share Tales of the Outdoors and Activism
Two new children’s books are set in Appalachia. “Saving Annie’s Mountain” is a picture book about mountaintop coal removal, and “The Adventures of Bubba Jones” is a chapter book about kids exploring nature in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Faced with Threats to Nolichucky River, Residents Unite
Concerned citizens have joined together to monitor the Nolichucky River in East Tennessee for pollution that could result from a new industrial pipeline. Though the water is still at risk, opposition to the pipeline has spurred community engagement.
Dec 2015 / Jan 2016 - Columns
Hiking the Highlands
Trek to the Top of Mt. Cammerer
Enjoy a strenuous 11-mile hike to the top of Mt. Cammerer, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike culminates with a view of the Pigeon River Gorge 3,000 feet below and the opportunity to stroll around the catwalk of the historic fire tower at Mt. Cammerer’s peak.
Naturalist's Notebook
Sumac: A Winter Spice
The bright red berries of the sumac plant add color to the winter landscape. While poison sumac has earned a bad reputation, other varieties of the plant have a long and multicultural history of use, including as a spice and as a dye or tanning agent.
Member Spotlight
This Green House
Knoxville Homes Get an Energy Makeover
The Knoxville Extreme Energy Makeover project is working to weatherize 1,278 homes by September 2017. They aim to reduce energy spending by at least 25 percent for each home weatherized.
Politics
Spending Bill Sustains Appalachian Programs
While the federal budget includes funding for programs like the Appalachian Regional Commission, the bill omitted the RECLAIM Act.
Environmental Votetracker — April/May 2018 issue
Chart displays how Appalachian House and Senate members voted regarding several environmental issues in February and March.
