AppalachianThe October/November 2012 FREEVoice Saying Goodbye to the Keeper of the Mountains 1946-2012

Growing

UpAre we Green preparing our children for the environmental challenges of the future?

Also Inside: The Hiss-tory of the Timber Rattler • Coal’s Finite Frontier TheAppalachian Voice A publication of AppalachianVoices A Note from our Executive Director Bidding Farewell to a Mountain of a Man 171 Grand Blvd • Boone, NC 28607 By Lenny Kohm Dear Readers, 828-262-1500 Larry Gibson was an exceptional man After that day in www.AppalachianVoices.org Communities fighting mountaintop removal coal mining lost a 1998, Larry and I shared Larry Gibson [email protected] – a warrior for the mountains that he loved, leader and a friend in September with the death of Larry Gibson, a man an advocate for justice, and a mentor to the many more experiences. 1946-2012 Editor...... Jamie Goodman who loved a mountain and refused to sell it to the highest bidder. Larry thousands of people all across the country We attended countless Managing Editor...... Molly Moore was connected to a place, and because of that became an inspirational who joined with him in his struggle to end meetings in West Virgin- Associate Editor...... Matt Grimley force in the movement to end the reckless destruction of Appalachian the daily tragedy that is mountaintop removal ia, Kentucky, southwest Contributing Editor...... Brian Sewell mountainscapes. coal mining. Virginia and Tennessee, Distribution Manager...... Maeve Gould and strode through the While many environmentalists get involved in advocacy to protect a special place, I first met Larry in the early summer Graphic Designer...... Meghan Darst endless halls of Congress others join the movement because they think like a scientist. For me, thinking like a scientist means of 1998, climbing out of a pickup truck that to garner support for leg- employing the art of the long view, planning not just for today, but for future generations. Part dwarfed his five-feet-two frame. I had received DISTRIBUTION VOLUNTEERS: Alison Auciello, Heather Baker, Becky islation that would end of that is continuing to educate our youth in environmental and natural science, as we explore a call from professor Harvard G. Ayers, the Barlow, Bob Belton, Jere Bidwell, Blue Smoke Coffee, Charlie Bowles, Cindy mountaintop removal. Bowles, Lynn Brammer, Jane Branham, Steve Brooks, Carmen Cantrell, Alex in this issue of The Appalachian Voice. It also involves prevailing on our politicians — as much as founder of Appalachian Voices, describing to Through the press confer- Carll, Charlie Chakales, Shay Clanton, Chris Clark, Patty Clemens, Theresa they resist — to consider science when making policy. me the devastation that was taking place in the Crush-Warren, Beth Davis, Detta Davis, Deborah Deatherage, Lowell Dodge, mountains of Central Appalachia and asked if ences and committee hear- Finley Dula, Nels Erickson, Lauren Essick, Emma Ford, Dave Gilliam, Scott We seem to be coming up short on both. A recent Harvard report ranked the United States said, “It is hard to escape the I would travel to see the tragedy first-hand. At ings, the briefings and meet- Goebel, Lisa Goodpaster, Bruce Gould, Michael Grantz, Gary Greer, Kelly 17th globally in science education, and a 2011 editorial in Nature ings — through it all, Larry Griffin, Tim Guilfoile, Sharon Hart, Susan Hazlewood, Sandy Heim, Cary and that time nobody had heard of mountaintop Clockwise from top left: Larry Karen Huffman, Tim Huntley, Pamela Johnston, Mary K., Amelia Kirby, Rose conclusion that the U.S. Congress has entered the intellectual wilderness, a sad state of affairs removal coal mining and there was almost was tireless in his quest to looking out over the devasta- Koontz, Frances Lamberts, Justin Laughlin, Carissa Lenfert, Sean Levenson, in a country that has led the world in many scientific arenas for so long.” nothing written that described the practice or educate the entire planet Susan Lewis, Loy Lilley, Debra Locher, Joy Lourie, Gail Marney, Lee Martin, about what was happening tion on Kayford Mountain Mast General Store, Kathy McClory, Kim Greene McClure, Jay McCoy, Rich Appalachian Voices stands for protecting the Appalachian Mountains, because we love them its terrible impacts on the ecology and the local to his beloved mountains. with his dog, Dog. Photo by McDonough, Mike McKinney, Steve Moeller, Dave and Donna Muhly, Dennis as our homeplace, they provide our drinking water, and we enjoy their beauty and recreation communities. Larry was loveable and Mark Schmerling Murphy, Catherine Murray, Cabell Neterer, Dave Patrick, Janet Perry, Bronwyn opportunities — and also because they harbor hundreds of species that exist no place else on The drive through Coal River Valley in Reece, Martin Richards, Carol Rollman, Kristin Rouse, Vicki Ryder, Debbie made friends easily wher- Earth. Join with us today in saving this special place. central West Virginia was a sobering experi- Dancing with his wife Carol Samuels, Steve Scarborough, Gerry and Joe Scardo, Craig Schenker, Kathy ever he went. For more Selvage, Brenda Sigmon, Leah Smith, Sarah Smith, Jennifer Stertzer, Mike ence, with processing plants, giant conveyor at Stanley Heirs Park. Photo For the mountains and the planet, than 20 years, he travelled Wade, Nora Walbourn, Bill Wasserman, Jim Webb, Dean Whitworth, Amy belts and mounds of coal looming over dust- by Carl Galie Wickham, Graham Williams, Barbara Williamson, Diana Withen, Johnny Yousef, the country speaking to col- covered homes lining the road along the nar- Walking with renowned scientist Gabrielle Zeiger, Ray Zimmerman leges, community groups, and whomever row valley floor. In the small town of Whites- sive magazine, he re- James Hansen and film director Printed on 100% recycled newsprint, cover 40% recycled paper, all soy-based inks Willa Mays, Executive Director would listen to the plight of the folks living in ville, retired teacher Janet Nease met me and mained to most folks “just the shadow of mountaintop removal. Young Mari-lynn Evans during the March immediately told me there was someone she Larry.” Fame outside of people were drawn to Larry, who was always for Blair Mountain. Photo by Paul very much wanted me to meet. the anti-mountaintop re- quick with a big smile or a joke, and students Corbit Brown Inside this issue Larry, while short in stature, was not afraid moval movement was 2nd Edition from all over the country took up his cause, Background by Paul Corbit Brown About the Cover of sharing his opinion with anyone. As we drove not a concern, though, building an army of young citizens united the winding dirt road on the way up to his fam- because to him what mat- The photo of Larry Gibson was taken by Paul Corbit against injustice. Managing Brown not long before the Keeper of the Mountains ily’s land on Kayford Mountain, he talked low tered was that the coal com- He continued to work on his land on Kay- passed away. Brown had these thoughts to share: and fast in a thick Appalachian accent about panies stopped hurting his people and his your ford Mountain, adding a stage area and camp- To say Larry had an p. 8-18 what he was taking me to witness. “See them ancestral land. ing spots, creating in Stanley Heirs Park a place enormous impact on all big rocks in the middle of the road,’ he said, Larry is gone now and I for one will miss where people in the movement would gather Woodlands of our lives wouldn’t be pointing over the dashboard. “Well, them are him. I am sure that there is a special place in As a popular saying among to celebrate July 4 or the changing of the leaves enough. To say he was a fly-rock, and they come from the mine site when heaven for such a mountain of a man. I can still hero wouldn’t be enough. each fall and revel in their common cause. environmental educators they start-a-blowin’ up my mountains!” hear his voice every day shouting to me and A Guide for Southern To say he changed our lives Larry never quite received the notoriety He led me to the edge of his property, past anybody who will listen: Appalachian Landowners wouldn’t be enough. To say has was deeply loved and goes, “you protect what you love, and appreciation he deserved. Although CNN will be missed wouldn’t be enough. But let me tell you his family’s cemetery, to a sweeping overlook of network interviewed him as part of their “He- “They’re blowin’ up our mountains Produced by: Appalachian Voices what was on his heart just days ago. and love what you know.” the environmental devastation that surrounded He stressed that this fight was never about him his home. After that moment, looking at the roes” series, and Terry Tempest Williams wrote and there oughta be a law!” In our special section on education, an article about him and Kayford Our handbook on forestry management or his mountain alone. It was, and is, about all of us moonscape that used to be mountains, I knew I gives you the knowledge and resources and our shared future. It is about the thousands of discover how youth are connecting to couldn’t turn away from joining Larry’s mission. Mountain for The Progres- you need to make smart decisions about young people that he called his kids. It is about those your forest and become a better steward not yet born. the Appalachia that we know and love. of your land. He wanted to be a voice for all people and the Now with a Free DVD “Landowner’s mountains and homes they love. He wanted to speak To read more about Larry’s legacy or make an online donation, visit: Guide to sustainable Forestry” for Justice and to inspire those too frightened to speak. Regulars mountainkeeper.blogspot.com from the Model Forest Policy Program And even those who called Larry an enemy and wished to do him harm, he spoke of them, still, as “His People.” Across Appalachia . . . . 3-4 Opinions and Editorials. . 24 You can also send mail to: Keeper of the Mountains Foundation, Rest in Peace, Larry. It was only appropriate that Hiking the Highlands. . . . 6 AV Book Club...... 25 179 Summers St, Suite 234, Charleston, WV, 25301 you should be on your mountain when you left this Coal Report ...... 20 Inside AV ...... 26 world. You can rest assured that we who you left behind To get your FREE copy: Sign up will not rest until we finish the work you so passionately This Green House. . . . .22 Get Involved!...... 28 at: appvoices.org/reenergizing and courageously began. OR contact: 1-877-APP-VOICE or Naturalist’s Notebook. . . 23 [email protected] Inset Photo by Gary Peeples/USFWS October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 3 s cros Appalachia cross Appalachia A Environmental News From Around the Region A Environmental News From Around the Region Federal Grants To Assist Troubled Appalachian Species Wildlife Center Sues for Survival A non-profit wildlife center known for rehabilitating thou- A round of special funding by the servation funds in Georgia’s Lower of Appalachia. Also in August, the sands of animals including red-winged hawks, great horned owls U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awarded Flint River Basin, an area impacted U.S. Forest Service announced $3.5 and bobcats has filed a lawsuit against the resort town of Beech $33 million toward helping threatened by drought and agricultural water million in matching grants awarded Ready, Aim, Click: Photo Competition Accepting Entries Mountain, N.C., for what it says is unjust and illegal treatment. and endangered species in 21 states, demand. In Pennsylvania, $600,000 to groups working on community According to Genesis Wildlife Sanctuary, a new ordinance including several projects in the Central will support Indiana bat habitat on forests. Now is your chance to Ridge Parkway Foundation and designed to help spread aware- was passed by the town in early 2009, suddenly rendering the and Southern Appalachian region. 3.8 million mostly-forested acres The Eastern Band of the Chero- showcase your interpretation the Turchin Center for the Visual ness of environmental problems 10-year-old facility in violation of its lease. In Sept. 2010, the town In Cumberland County, Tenn., more throughout the state. kee Indians will conserve 108 acres of the unique character, people, Arts. Deadline for entries is Fri., and concerns in Central and gave the sanctuary six months to comply or vacate. Many animals than $700,000 will protect aquatic re- In a joint project between the on Hall Mountain near Franklin, places and pursuits that distin- Nov. 16, 2012 at 5 p.m. Southern Appalachia through housed at the sanctuary were taken to other facilities and private sources and improve habitat for species West Virginia Division of Natural N.C., and build a trail system that guish the Appalachian region Categories for this year’s the visual medium of fine art properties for care, but some had to be euthanized. such as the Indiana bat, gray bat, spotfin Resources and nonprofit conser- exhibits uses of natural resources The Appalachian Mountain competition include: Adventure, photography. Proceeds ben- In the spring of this year, the town served Genesis with a chub, and Cumberland rosemary. The vation groups, $700,000 in Fish traditionally employed by the Photo by Craig Stihler/WVDNR Photography Competition is Blue Ridge Parkway - Weather efit Outdoor Programs’ Student lawsuit and eviction notice, claiming the sanctuary was still in service describes this grant as a proac- and Wildlife Service funds will go Cherokee. And in Pickens County, accepting submissions from on the Parkway, Culture, Our Outdoor Learning Expeditions. violation although no animals had been housed on-site since the tive attempt to guard sensitive areas toward land acquisition in the Cheat of the Cheat River Gorge encompass S.C., the Naturaland Trust will use For- amateur and professional pho- Ecological Footprint, Flora/ Finalists will be displayed at initial relocation. “From 1999 to 2009, we had no issue with the “experiencing increased development River Gorge. The state agency is seek- the rare snail’s entire range, where it est Service funds to secure 1,648 acres tographers for their 10th annual Fauna, and Landscape. $4,000 in the Turchin Center for the Visual town,” states Genesis board member Frank Steele. “Out of the pressures and resource extraction is- ing matching funds to help protect gravitates toward sandstone outcrop- of the state’s Nine Times Community juried exhibition. The show is cash and prizes will be awarded. Arts in Boone, N.C., from March clear blue, without even notifying Genesis, we find out the town sues.” the Indiana bat and a lesser-known pings. Forest to support habitats for black bear, sponsored by the Outdoor Pro- For the fourth year, Appala- through August, 2013. had voted to adopt this new ordinance.” Federally-listed mussels are poised creature, the flat-spired three-toothed The Fish and Wildlife Service is ruffed grouse and peregrine falcons. grams department at Appala- chian Voices will sponsor “Our To enter the competition, The wildlife center has a 60-year land lease with Beech Moun- to benefit from nearly $200,000 in con- land snail. Approximately 10,300 acres not the only agency assisting portions chian State University, the Blue Ecological Footprint,” a category visit: appmtnphotocomp.org. tain on what is one of the last remaining developable properties beside the town’s picturesque Buckeye Lake. According to Steele, the town has sought to gain full-use recreation status for the lake, passed the new rules at the Oil and Gas Board interactions — including food-bearing plants. Shame On Your Neighbor Bad Fracking Rules for Tennessee Old-Growth Trees Duke Energy became the latest utility to hop on the peer pressure bandwagon when it but the state requires additional parking, security and restroom New fracking rules in the Volunteer State will meeting on Sept. 28. For more information, visit: For more details, visit: news.cornell.edu Survive College Football received approval to mail residential customers monthly energy reports showing how facilities before the designation will be granted. have little to no effect on the state’s emerging tcwn.org/frack. NC Drags Feet Over University administrators at Virginia Tech in their energy usage compares with neighbors living in similar homes. More than 75 utilities in the nation use The center’s most famous resident was North Carolina’s natural gas drilling operations, the Tennessee Are Pesky Pests a Plus? Blacksburg, Va., denied a proposal to raze this tactic to encourage consumers to lower thermostats, turn off the lights or invest in energy efficiency mea- official groundhog, Sir Walter Wally, who traveled to the state Clean Water Network says. According to the Offshore Wind A recently released study from Cornell Univer- three acres of old-growth forest to develop sures to lower their monthly consumption of electricity. Approximately 500,000 eligible households in North capital each February to offer his spring weather prediction. Prior new Tennessee Department of Environment A new report by the National Wildlife Federation sity shows that getting rid of “unwanted” insects an athletic practice area, but fell short of Carolina will receive the monthly reports, targeted at customers who have at least 12 months of usage and are to the removal of the animals, the sanctuary says it had hundreds and Conservation rules, the public will be noti- shows that despite having more coastal wind such as mosquitoes, ants and roaches might guaranteeing the site permanent protection. not participating in other energy-efficiency programs. of visitors each week for educational and volunteer purposes. fied of new fracking only if the operation’s water energy resources than any other state on the have unwelcome ecological consequences. The A campus-wide petition garnered more than use will exceed 200,000 gallons more more, Atlantic coast, North Carolina has only taken the five-year National Science Foundation-funded 10,000 signatures in support of the area although no current or proposed fracking sites first of nine steps toward developing offshore project that studied the evening primrose and known as Stadium Woods, which includes are close to meeting that threshold. Prior to wind. Studies indicate that the state’s wind its natural enemy, plant eating moths, found dozens of white oaks ranging from 100 to TDEC’s finalization of the rules, environmental resources could produce $22 billion for North that removing the pests from the plant’s en- over 400 years old. and citizen groups proposed numerous chang- Carolina’s economy and create more than 10,000 vironment resulted in significant loss in the Keep Appalachia’s Finest Environmental News FREE es, including lowering the threshold water use, permanent jobs while providing up to 130 per- plant’s natural defenses in as few as three or extending public comment periods, prohibit- cent of the state’s energy needs. four generations, leaving it vulnerable to at- ing chemicals such as diesel fuel in fracking tack. The study also showed a loss in yield and fluids and extending the proximity protection taste, and has generated speculation that the Companies to Cough Up Millions for drilling near homes from 200 feet to 1000 results may be applicable to other insect-plant feet. TDEC rejected the citizens’ proposal, and for W.Va. Superfund Cleanup Exxon Mobil Corp., Vertellus tar wastes from the bottom of the river. Specialties Inc., and CBS Corps have Between 1932 and 1984, four agreed to pay $29.8 million for current separate heavy industry operations and retroactive cleanup costs for the Big deposited waste products including John’s Salvage-Hould Road Superfund lead dust, mercury-tainted waste oil Site in Marion County, W.Va. and crude tar on the site. More than The 38-acre site, located near the $11 million of the funds will reim- east bank of the Monongahela River burse the U.S. Environmental Protec- in the town of Fairmont, became con- tion Agency and the state of West taminated with hazardous wastes Virginia for previous cleanup efforts. from decades of industrial activity. The Additional information on this and cleanup, which has been ongoing since other superfund sites is available at: 2001, includes containing contaminated cumulis.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites. soil and removing 5,500 cubic yards of

Page 4 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 Autumn colors transform a roadside meadow in Dolly Sods Wilderness, near Hiking the Highlands the Wildlife Trail. Photo by Joe Tennis Getting Wild In Dolly Sods Wilderness By Joe Tennis in autumn, when it may not be Julie Fosbender stepped raining so much, but could grow carefully down the trail called tricky in the spring. Fisher Spring Run, heading Trails here range from the Red downhill on a Monday morning. Creek (6.4 miles) to the Northland We hiked together for almost two Interpretive (0.3 miles). To expand even miles along this unmarked-yet- further on the variety, multiple-trail mapped path in the Dolly Sods Wil- hikes can be created by using two cars derness, an expansive and scenic section to form a shuttle, or combining parts Dolly Sods Wilderness Area of the Monongahela National Forest. of trails to form loops. Getting There — From Petersburg, W.Va., follow WV 28/55 south to Jordan Run Road. Turn right and go one After about a half-mile the The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a hiker’s Choose Your Adventure mile to Forest Road 19. Turn left and follow FR 19 six miles to the Dolly Sods Scenic Area. The wilderness is Rohrbaugh Trail comes to another dream, spanning 17,371 acres of bog and Starting at Fisher Spring Run Trail- directly ahead at the intersection with FR 75. junction, well-marked by signs and heath eco-types, more commonly found in head, just off Forest Road 75, Fosbender Length and difficulty — 47 miles of trails, varies. stones. Here, I turned left on the southern Canada. Elevations range from and I immediately descended into the Website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/ pleasant and more moderate Wild- 2,500 feet to over 4,700 feet. The protected wilderness, rambling over rocks as we Info: (304) 257-4488 life Trail (TR 560), which carries you area takes its name from a German pioneer passed a wealth of ferns and firs, includ- back up the mountain on a 1.5-mile family — Dahle — whose livestock grazed ing hemlocks and several fallen logs. Every once in a while along this trek, hike that appears fairly well worn by the grassy area locally called “sods.” “This forest provides a range of you’ll see a campsite with a fire ring left the hikers who love Dolly Sods. Forty-seven miles of trails in the experiences,” says Fosbender, the north in place, beckoning hikers to extend their The Wildlife Trail does not cross Dolly Sods Wilderness follow old railroad zone recreation manager for the Monon- stay in Dolly Sods. Beware setting a fire creeks. It also spreads out enough to make grades and logging roads, many of which gahela National Forest. “And we rely on outside of the ring, however; beginning the uphill climb almost seem easy. Its contain creeks that must be forded. our visitors to self-select the experience in 1943, this area was used for maneuvers vegetation — more of an upland meadow Creek-hopping is generally easier that they want.” by the U.S. military, and many artillery setting — differs from the rocky forest of and mortar shells shot into the area for the nearby Fisher Spring Run. practice still exist. You can use a shuttle and return to Although this sounds scary, a your vehicle at the head of the Wildlife highly trained crew surveyed trails in Trail, as I did. Or you can turn left at For- 1997 for explosives and returned with est Road 75 and take a gentle 1.5-mile 15 leftovers. Many more explosives walk to the head of Fisher Spring Run could exist, however, which is why to complete the loop. tried-and-true fire rings are best. Picture Perfect “The worry isn’t so much that In the upper half of West Virginia, there’s a bomb under our feet,” Fos- where Grant County merges into Tucker bender says. “But if you light a fire, that and Randolph counties, you’ll find could make that bad boy go off, and that many casual visitors roaming the for- could ruin your day.” est roads of the Dolly Sods Wilderness, We did not see any bombs on this shooting pictures of big boulders and particular Monday, but our path on the documenting the blazing colors of fall. Fisher Spring Run Trail grew increas- But Bear Rocks is not the only great ingly pointy on the backs of rocks as it overlook. Nor is it the only one with at continued down the mountain. least mildly easy access. Near the Wild- At a crossroads of trails, Fosbender life Trailhead, along Forest Road 75, you continued on Fisher Spring Run as I travel only about 400 yards to find a turned on the Rohrbaugh Trail (TR 510) Greenlife • Whole Earth Grocery • Dandridge General Store grand view of the Virginias with natural — an even rockier road. At times on NOC Great Outpost • NOC Wesser General Store perches on bleach-white boulders. the Rohrbaugh Trail there were little, if Purple Mountain Natural Foods • West Village Market This is a great place to take a any, signs of earth beneath my feet. The Honeymoon Bakery • Harvest Moon Cafe picture, as well as a wonderful cap trail crosses a stream with a miniature New Moon Gallery • Candler Park Market • Savi Urban Market to a morning of hiking the highlands cascade and then passes a cliff outcrop through the canopied forests and open Hand 100% Organic, Fair Trade & Shade Grown Beans Free the size of a large car. It’s a shady path Roasted Shipping! heaths of Dolly Sods Wilderness. To Order Order at BlueSmokeCoffee.com that requires careful footsteps. 10% of Sales Donated to Environmental & Humanitarian Causes Page 6 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 in Grow g Getting Outside Truly is the Best Medicine By Brian Sewell children in states such as West Virginia, Kentucky and reen Once upon a time, on an Up G Tennessee have crept into ordinary fall afternoon after the upper 30s, according returning home from school, to data from the National the kids from the neighbor- Initiative for Children’s hood would get together. Healthcare Quality. They might take to a nearby The increase in early- By Molly Moore creek or hike to a secret fort deep onset diabetes provides per- in the woods. There, kingdoms spective into the future health were conjured, epic battles fought of children with poor diets and and the innocence of chilhood imagina- Lesson Plan who grow up mostly indoors. t’s 9:30 a.m., and the sun tion reigned supreme. Discover the power of play ...... next page Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatrician has yet to offer its full Outside, children can inhabit two A Prescription for Holistic Health: A child may not realize it at the time, but time spent playing and Educating our students about climate change ...... 10 Two Yancey County, N.C., students eagerly examine a rock for signs of life (above) and Byron at Boston Children’s Hospital, re- discovering the outdoors provides a framework for future health, psychological well-being and the social warmthI to the fifth-grade universes — in one, mythical monsters Hamstead, a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service intern, helps students in another county identify cently described the severity of the skills useful in everyday life. Photo by Jamie Goodman. class clustered along the bank Innovative teaching by the region’s educators ...... 12 have invaded and jump from tree to stream insects during a morning of outdoor education activities (below). The types of insects problem on National Public Radio. of the North Toe River in Celebrating remarkable young people ...... 14 in a river can be a useful indicator of water quality. Photos by Gary Peeples/USFWS tree; in the other, it’s time to retreat passed down, parents need to remem- with ADHD, the highest in the nation. “It’s one thing for an overweight or Spruce Pine, N.C. Several The challenges of rural internet access ...... 17 home for dinner. ber their own childhood. Overall, according to the Center for obese 55-year-old gaining a few extra students warily eye the chilly gating and making decisions about mental group Toe River Valley Watch, Childhood is a time to imagine Disease Control, more than four and a pounds a year to develop diabetes at age current and one girl pulls her complex natural-resources issues. it’s affordable for schools. and create. It is also a time of physical Thinking, Naturally half million kids have been diagnosed 65 and have a heart attack at age 70,” Developing a relationship with arms into her sweatshirt, insulating understand ecosystems and their role in The problem with environ- Organizations dedicated to outdoor and mental development, charting the with the learning disorder. And more Ludwig said. “It’s a very different thing the outdoors at an early age provides herself from the cool morning. But any them has never been more imperative. mental education isn’t lack of public learning play a role as well. Ryan Olson, course for an individual’s future health. than three million of those children are if the clock starts ticking at age 10.” children with more than a formula trepidation vanishes as the U.S. Fish and A ten-year study published in 2005 support. According to the study, ninety- executive director of nonprofit program In the midst of all those monsters, a prescribed stimulants like Ritalin and When it comes to physical health, for lifelong physical health, it offers a Wildlife Service’s Gary Peeples starts found that although most American five percent of Americans stand behind Muddy Sneakers, is optimistic about child is unlikely to consider how much Adderall to treat its symptoms. But as parents and schools are beginning to framework for psychological well-being them on a Waterbug Safari, an activity adults were aware of simple environ- learning about natural systems and the future of environmental educa- spending time outdoors will benefit researchers such as University of Min- think outside the box — namely the and the social skills useful in everyday that explores the river’s creepy-crawly mental issues, their understanding of about 85 percent believe that study- tion. His outlook is buoyed by federal them through childhood and into ado- nesota Institute of Child Development’s four walls with a TV in which too many life. As the library of research on middle inhabitants. Within minutes, the kids moderately complex environmental and ing the natural world builds character, initiatives such as President Obama’s lescence and adulthood. L. Alan Sroufe have noted, these pills children have settled. childhood grows, a clearer understand- are sloshing around, scooping water energy topics was downright abysmal. enhances science learning, encourages America’s Great Outdoors initiative Today, however, children are more do not constitute a cure, are unlikely to Several states and major groups ing of how outdoor play contributes to samples and bringing live creatures to According to the study, forty-five mil- community service and creates more and bi-partisan efforts to pass the No likely to take to the couch and battle improve long-term social and academic such as the Sierra Club and National the way a child learns and interacts with a nearby table. One student catches a lion Americans thought the ocean was environmentally-aware adults. Child Left Inside Act, a bill that would monsters on screens. Nearly every outcomes, and can lead to dependency. Wildlife Federation have endorsed the others is piling up. Less clear and more baby dragonfly and the group learns a source of fresh water. Just 12 percent But even memorable learning give states incentives for prioritizing medical study into the matter concludes One study that has lasted for more No Child Left Inside movement, which troubling, however, are the factors, that it “takes water in through its mouth passed a basic energy awareness quiz. experiences such as the Waterbug Sa- environmental topics and outdoor expe- that, regardless of ethnicity, children in than a decade found that after three focuses on environmental literacy including a child’s stress level, media and squirts it back out of its butt.” Perhaps most sobering, the researchers fari run up against familiar obstacles: riences in schools. According to Olson, America are too plugged in, unhealthy years, positive behavioural modifi- through outdoor recreation and healthy consumption and diet, contributing to Activities like this are a classic estimated that only one or two percent of tight school budgets, the dominance of now is the time for advocates to ensure and overmedicated. And in Appalachian cation effects from medication had living. The initiative is helping schools the rapid increase in diagnoses of at- example of get-your-feet-wet environ- the population were capable of investi- standardized tests, and overburdened that state-level plans are applied in a and southeastern states, the challenges faded, and by eight years there was no understand the importance of some- tention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. mental education. There are no dire teachers facing these challenges. way that stays true to the movement’s are even greater. The nature of childhood evidence that the drugs produced any thing as common as having recess, and Researchers at the University of Il- warnings about the ecological perils Some teachers counter these hur- outdoor, hands-on roots. has changed, and growing up green academic or behavioral benefits. reminding towns of the role parks and linois have explored treatment of atten- of disturbing the riverbed, and when dles directly. Kelly Chapman teaches Classes participating in Muddy seems more like a fairy tale than ever. “Clearly, these children need a public spaces play in their communities. tion deficit disorders through attention a student brings an Asian clam to the fifth grade at Deyton Elementary in Sneakers commit to at least six outdoor- broader base of support than was offered For children, exercising outdoors, restoration theory — an idea developed table, “Those are bad because they’re Mitchell County, N.C., and every year learning “expeditions” each school Remembering How to Play in this medication study, support that The range of research into the fac- better known as “playing,” is simply in the 1980s asserting that adults can not from around here” provides an in- she finds a grant to supplement class- year. Most are on publicly or privately begins earlier and lasts longer,” Sroufe tors affecting children’s development one of the only opportunities to partici- concentrate better after spending time troduction to the problems of invasive room curriculum with experiential protected lands within a half hour of recently wrote in a New York Times op-ed is staggering — from the influence of pate in an activity that promotes lifelong in nature. They found that, similar to species. The details can wait — today’s instruction methods. “I’ve become a the school, which exposes kids and their titled “Ritalin Gone Wrong.” high-calorie sweets advertised on TV to physical and, as families are beginning older subjects, children who are able goal is to facilitate interest in the water different teacher from being able to families to nearby natural treasures, Healthy children beget healthy the alarming number of prescriptions to learn, mental health. to climb trees, dig in the dirt and play cycle, and the river is just feet away. have the hands-on material,” she says. and a few expeditions take place in the adults, healthy families and a healthy written as the prevalence of attention The parents of today’s youth know with bugs outside are better able to sit “Who’s having the best day of “I’m a hands-on learner myself.” schoolyard, engaging youngsters with society. And just as the threats to chil- deficit-hyperactivity diagnoses grows. something about growing up green, still and behave at home and in the school in their entire life?” Peeples calls Her students participate in the their immediate surroundings. dren’s overall health last into the future, But in many cases the roots of the problem since many of them did. They remember classroom. On the other hand, the study out. Every hand shoots into the air. Waterbug Safari as part of the annual Once outdoors, students embark on so do the benefits of ample time for and the benefits of play are being ignored. fondly the family road trip to a national also found that children who exhibit ------Toes in the Toe Watershed Discovery, activities such as trying to insulate boil- outdoor play. In fact, getting back to The most visible and immediate park, or perhaps closer to home, picnics attention problems in the classroom Curiosity about the natural world a program comprised of six activity ing water in the woods to learn about playing may be the key to holistic health threat to children’s physical health is at the neighborhood playground, where are more likely to be kept from outdoor has been a part of childhood education stations for all fifth graders in a two- energy conservation, and talking about for America’s children, getting them the obesity epidemic affecting nearly they would hang upside-down from play during school because of poor long before President Nixon passed the county region. The workshops meet how that heat relates to energy sources away from battling monsters on screens 20 percent of kids between the ages the monkey bars and swing higher grades or misbehavior. first National Environmental Education state education guidelines, and because such as camp stoves and the sun. Add and back to battling monsters in trees. of six and 11. During the past decade, than once thought possible. For an ap- Nearly 16 percent of children in Act in 1970. But encouraging students to the event is sponsored by the U.S. Fish Continued on page 18 percentages of overweight and obese North Carolina have been diagnosed and Wildlife Service and local environ- preciation for time spent outdoors to be

Page 8 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 9 Teaching Climate exploration of how colors at the earth’s Continued from previous page surface affect the amount of warming.

Communicating Climate Hot Air, Stringent Standards editor Bill Bigelow noted that the coal Quality learning begins with a foundation’s materials claim to meet teacher who is comfortable and en- and Tangible Teaching Techniques national education standards for fourth thusiastic about the subject at hand. Complicate a Crucial Science grade, and specifically purport to teach John DiDiego, education director for about the advantages and disadvan- the Great Smoky Mountain Institute at tages of different types of energy. But Tremont in Townsend, Tenn., organizes By Molly Moore as recently as 2010, Bigelow writes that the curriculum fails climate change workshops for educa- despite a slew of ads Last spring, leaked documents to mention the health or environmental tors. Depending on state and grade promoting increased from a conservative think-tank revealed problems tied to coal, or the fact that level, teachers might not be required to math and science edu- plans to develop and market a K-12 burning coal is the greatest contribu- teach about climate change, but DiDi- cation and a 2008 pledge global warming curriculum. tor to greenhouse gases. “True, a full ego says those lessons can be tied into to stop funding deniers of Science educators might have exploration of these ‘disadvantages’ of other subjects. global warming. welcomed a new attempt to educate coal might overwhelm 4th graders—or “[Climate change] certainly fits Some state governments Learning about the climate gives students opportunities to observe and measure their surroundings. America’s youth about climate change anyone else, for that matter,” Bigelow’s in with a lot of what they’re trying to have also cast a shadow over estab- Above, Sevier County, Tenn., sixth graders use meteorological tools to study weather atop Look if the organization that plans to develop article says. “But the alternative is not to teach, but the teacher has to make that lished science curriculum. This year, Rock. Photo courtesy of Pi Beta Phi Elementary the curriculum, The Heartland Institute, leave them out entirely and, thus, turn connection,” DiDiego says. “It could be Tennessee became the second state to wasn’t known for denial of accepted coal into an energy superhero.” cators and scientists with the national a math problem related to ‘how much pass a law that brings critiques of top- Standard Science climate science. Several months after the According to Eastern Kentucky Presently, there are no uniform Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness carbon does a certain tree species of a ics such as evolution, climate change documents were exposed, Heartland University’s Dr. Wilder, some material standards for teaching climate and en- Network, so educators can easily find a certain size sequester?’ So the kids can and the chemical origin of life into the unveiled a series of billboards equating from the American Coal Foundation ergy in the Southeast. Still, proponents lesson that meets their needs. go out and make measurements. It’s all classroom. anyone who accepts climate change sci- can be useful if presented in context. of teaching about climate have reason Searching for eighth grade course- about math, but the end result is learn- With powerful interests acting ence with “Unabomber” Ted Kaczynski For example, she says, students in Ap- to be optimistic. A first draft of new work that meets Kentucky education ing about carbon sequestration.” against climate change education, it’s and other unsavory figures. palachia often assume that their region voluntary national standards, called standards? The database pulls up 64 DiDiego says that teachers who no wonder a National Science Teachers According to one leaked document, produces most of the country’s coal, a Next Generation Science Standards, results, ranging from a mock oil-spill attend the institute’s workshops con- Association poll found that 82 percent the institute plans to create a curriculum misconception that is countered by a was released last spring, and a second activity that studies the effectiveness of educators have faced skepticism To learn about how schoolyard trees respond Continued on page 18 promoting the idea that human activ- to the changing seasons, students also have to “United States of Energy” activity that draft will be available for public com- and cost of cleanup methods to an about the subject from students and Confronting Bias ity contributes to climate change is “a identify tree species in this after-school activity. asks students to use a map to identify ment this fall. The first draft contained 54 percent have faced skepticism from For teachers, finding reliable class- major scientific controversy,” in direct Photo courtesy of Pi Beta Phi Elementary the top 15 coal-producing states. Wilder upgrades such as a high school section parents. Still, the scientific and science room materials can be a barrier to effec- conflict with nearly 97 percent of active tive climate education, especially since notes that just because one activity has about managing human impacts on the education communities overwhelm- grade classrooms in 2009, according to climate scientists who agree that the tight school budgets and time-strapped merit doesn’t mean that it provides planet, including the effects of green- ingly accept that climate change is real a blog post by the coal foundation. But climate is changing and that human schedules encourage teachers to look thought-provoking follow-up questions house gases. and that part of science education is once the biased source of the curriculum activity is a significant cause. to outside sources for lesson materials. or that other lessons are accurate. Simply including climate science in informing students about that reality. gained attention in the national press, Direct classroom pressure from Filling that need, the American Coal “Teachers have to look at curricu- the state education standards does not In fact, Dr. Melinda Wilder, an East- Scholastic withdrew the lessons. groups such as Heartland is just one Foundation paid Scholastic, Inc. — a lum materials critically,” she says. necessarily lead to quality instruction. ern Kentucky University professor who In an article in the activist edu- of many attempts by supporters of well-known provider of educational “Most of the time the earth and envi- specializes in science education, has cational magazine Rethinking Schools, the energy industry to stymie climate ronmental science courses are not the been bringing climate change science materials and textbooks — to develop change education. In another case, en- Continued on next page high-stakes testing courses ... It might into her work since the mid-nineties, and distribute a set of lessons dubbed vironmental organization Greenpeace Mr. Green Gene’s neighbors are alwaysbe on askingthe books but that doesn’t mean she says, by letting her students “find the “United States of Energy.” With the used a Freedom of Information Act it’s being taught,” says Karen evidence and then talk about what that aid of Scholastic, the lesson plan him to cut down some of his trees. Although request to discover that ExxonMobil McNeal, a prin- evidence means.” reached at least 66,000 fourth- he lives in North Carolina, Mr. Green Gene says was funding climate change skeptics cipal investigator he’s trying to save the Amazon. at Climate Literacy Project of the South-

Write an essay about each. east. and mine safety, but also includes materials created A. How can Mr. Green Gene’s trees save To help teachers by industry groups such as Friends of Coal. the Amazon? Coal 101 find effective climate A quick survey of major fossil fuel foundations re- A coloring book distributed by Friends of Coal lessons, the Climate Lit- veals that most also dabble in crafting energy-related shows smiling kids on the back page with a speech B. How could human actions in N.C. bubble that exclaims, “Coal is necessary in our energy eracy Project has gone teaching materials. In Appalachia, one of the most promi- influence trees to grow in the Amazon? nent is a nonprofit called Coal Education Development future!” The workbook addresses “Coal and our Envi- through 100 lessons and and Resource, Inc., a group with the mission to “facilitate ronment” with a cartoon of a cheerful dog washing matched them with sci- the increase of knowledge and understanding of the coal, smiling scrubbers in action, and kids planting C. How could cutting down trees affect ence standards in south- many benefits the Coal Industry provides in our daily fir trees atop a former surface mine. Topics such our climate? eastern states to create a lives.” The organization provides cash awards to teachers acid mine drainage, slurry impoundments leaching publicly searchable data- who develop superior lessons about coal; award-winning toxic metals into groundwater, and poorly reclaimed base. All the lessons have curriculum includes lessons on subjects such as geology mine sites are not included in the coloring book. been peer-reviewed by edu- Sample North Carolina high school biology assessment questions

Page 10 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 11 Creative Curriculum Continued from previous page Fourth-graders at Polk Central Elementary in North Carolina use a face without eyebrows.” Students modeling clay, shells, and plastic bones to learn about fossils during a FENCE Inspiring Educators discuss why a riparian buffer, or REEN! Of course, not every community activity. Photo by Kristy Burja Appalachian Educators GBuild Creative Curriculum can support an outdoor school, and not vegetative boundary zone, protects every student gets an alternative. So how streams the way an eyebrow protects another middle school, students By Paige Campbell High School, a short walk can students experience vibrant environ- an eye, and what humans might do are constructing raised beds for a across the parking lot. When The school day has officially ended mental education in more traditional set- to recreate them. salad garden. that school closed two years at Castlewood High School. But at the tings? Jim Rye and Rick Landenberger, “My goal is to engage them Learning Landscapes also ago, most Estonoa students Wetlands Estonoa Outdoor Learning education faculty at West Virginia Uni- with their surroundings,” Thomas contributes to a new Abingdon enrolled at Castlewood. So Vencil Center four miles away in St. Paul, Va., versity, offer some unique possibilities at says. “And make them realize that High School program that allows transferred there too, determined it’s hard to tell. Seventeen Castlewood a summer watershed dynamics institute science is not just in textbooks. special-needs students to stay to keep the project alive despite of the students are still engrossed in their wa- for secondary science teachers. enrolled until age 22 and focus on new commute. Building FENCES for ter testing tools and trail maintenance Participants meet for one week at vocational skills. The program’s The drive cuts into class time, but equipment. WVU during the summer, and continue to Vibrant Instruction culinary courses will soon feature even those four snaking miles through In the western hills of North “Wrap it up, guys,” teacher Terry correspond through the fall. They practice harvests from an on-site Learning dense patches of forest and long- and South Carolina, the Foothills Vencil calls out across the water. “We’ve different water quality assessments and Landscapes vegetable garden. nurtured pastureland remind students Equestrian and Nature Center of- got to get the athletes back to school.” learn to use GLOBE as well as Geographic Meanwhile, environmental sci- of what Vencil emphasizes every day: fers another strategy to bring sci- This is school for Vencil’s environ- Information Systems, a network of techni- ence students have designed a na- Appalachia is a precious and resource- ence education from the textbook mental science students, who leave cam- cally precise maps often used to analyze ture trail connecting Abingdon High rich place worth studying. to the senses. FENCE’s education pus for each day’s final period to carpool natural features like waterways. School grounds to the town’s central The Estonoa project is remarkable, team provides instruction through to Estonoa, maintain the site, test the When she enrolled in the institute in sidewalk system. “[Students] will in every sense of the word. Nationwide, Andrew Jessee tests the water for nitrates with fellow students from Castlewood High School at field trips and in-class settings for very often, [they] see things in nature water, and correspond with GLOBE, a 2011, Wildwood Middle School teacher flag the trail to mark the route, take GPS teachers bound by high-stakes tests and Wetlands Estonoa. Learning to manage the site is part of the school day for these envuronmental eight schools across the region; hands- that most people never see.” national program that supports student- Carolyn Thomas had already developed points, make an official map with those prescriptive state benchmarks must of- science students. Photo by Paige Campbell on lessons range from exploring weath- collected data and research worldwide. a lesson involving brook trout, which points, and then build it,” Peterson says. ten plow through curricula too packed er patterns to dissecting owl pellets, and Cultivating a Living There is no lecture, but Vencil is con- that backdrop with little time and few was, how far we’d have to walk to get thrived long ago in nearby Jefferson The trail will eventually include learning to build in much time for in-depth resources takes innovation and com- each corresponds with state standards. Schoolyard stantly teaching. She points out turtle up the ridge, and what our point of County streams. Centuries of agriculture Learning Landscapes, the environ- stations for identifying ecological habitats, science instruction, let alone hands-on munity buy-in. But Estonoa is one small Time constraints and expensive egg shells, troubleshoots equipment elevation would be once we got there.” and diminishing shade have gradu- mental-education arm of Appalachian tracking soil conditions and temperature, learning in the natural world. A 2011 place that does it. materials can rule out such activities for problems, and brainstorms reasons for “You really couldn’t do that in a ally robbed the trout of the cool, clean Sustainable Development in Washing- and testing water from a new footbridge. survey by the National Science Teach- Over the years, team members many classroom teachers, the program’s variations in water temperature. She and traditional classroom,” she adds. conditions it requires, so when Thomas’ ton County, Va., doesn’t have a facility For this type of project, Peterson ers Association found that 44 percent have reintroduced native flora, created AmeriCorps Nature Education Assis- the students are fully engaged with the That’s the idea, says school director students raise brook trout eggs in the for students to visit. What it does have says, continuity is the challenge. “A of elementary school teachers devoted a vegetative green roof on the building, tant Kristy Burja says. “So we bring our site and with each other. Angie Markum: to give opportunities classroom, they ultimately must release is Denise Peterson, who spends her teacher or a principal or a parent can fewer instructional minutes to science constructed a three-quarter mile trail, own supplies, and it’s free to the school. According to Vencil, the site was for hands-on learning and to focus that the hatchlings across the state line in a part time helping schools create outdoor have a great idea and establish some- than they had the previous year, with 26 hosted visiting groups, spoken at inter- We’re able to help teachers meet some once a wet cornfield, dammed-up a learning on the natural world. of Virginia where the species fares better. classrooms of their own. thing, but if they move, it often fails,” percent reporting less than 20 minutes national conferences, and won dozens ‘Essential Standards’ in a way that’s fun century ago. “By 1999, you couldn’t Students run a school garden, The project has always been a hit. Peterson leads many projects across she says. “An outside source [such as each day. Many cited the huge demands of academic awards. and different for the kids.” even walk around here,” she says. “So a monitor tree growth and water quality But Rye and Landenberger’s course gave Washington County and the city of Bris- Learning Landscapes] can bring the of regimented state assessment policies. To senior Andrew Jessee, what “FENCE educational programming group of my students got permission to for the GLOBE student-collected data Thomas the resources to expand the scope tol. At one elementary school, students energy to keep it going.” In Appalachia, that sacrifice seems Estonoa really means is a chance to has become an essential part of our sci- clean it up.” The project quickly evolved project, line abandoned coal mines with of her lesson by framing it around a criti- are restoring long-neglected gardens, Like all creators of innovative cur- a particular shame. Millions of acres authentically experience — and deeply ence curriculum,” says Denise Corco- into a student-led environmental educa- limestone to slow hazardous runoff, and cal question: could brook trout ever be studying pollinators and planting an ricula, Peterson has learned just how of national forestland, unparalleled grasp — the subject matter. “I don’t ran, who teaches at Tryon Elementary tion center for studying and protecting analyze non-native species compromis- reintroduced to Jefferson County waters? “ABC” garden with crops representing crucial that energy is. When it falls into biodiversity, and the geological intri- learn well in a classroom,” he says. “I in Polk County. Especially popular are the site’s distinctive wetlands ecosys- ing the Tennessee River system. “We visit streams, assess water every letter of the alphabet. One group place, the results are unmatched: students cacies of some of the planet’s oldest learn with my hands.” field trips to FENCE’s nature center. tem. Students oversaw all restoration, Markum is committed to the idea quality, and consider human needs of middle school students recently got fully immersed in their picturesque and mountains just might provide the ideal “[Fifth-graders] are able to hike, in- fundraising, and even the interior de- that intensive environmental education in the community,” Thomas explains. their hands dirty harvesting their gar- profound Appalachian landscape — and backdrop for comprehensive environ- Creating An Eco-Classroom vestigate and explore the outdoors in sign for the new building. benefits the community. “We’ve got “And we use my favorite analogy: a dens of red, white and blue potatoes; at fully engaged in understanding it. mental education. Making the most of Just outside Chattanooga, students all the seasons,” says Corcoran. “And Back then, Vencil taught at St. Paul to educate people about our environ- at Ivy Academy are learning with stream without a riparian buffer is like ment,” she says. “They don’t respect their hands, too. This four-year-old and value what they don’t understand.” charter school holds nearly all classes It also benefits students themselves. outdoors, nearly every day. “We’ll be tains “Before I taught here, I was at a school sic fro the Moun in [indoor] class maybe ten minutes Mu m where students came to school in the to talk about what we’re going to do,” dark, spent the day in rooms with senior Corey Purvis says. “Then we go frosted windows, and sometimes in the outside and do it.” winter went home after dusk,” Markum Senior Kayla Carter offers an ex- says. “These kids basically never saw ample. “Today we got a topographic the light of day.” map of the lot our school is on, and the Such conditions are disgraceful, Ivy ridge behind us and the creek,” she says. free wireless internet Academy founders believed. Students Locally roasted Fair Trade “Then we went out to the creek and needed an alternative. frappes & fruit smoothies figured out what our point of elevation homemade pastries & desserts & Continued on next page Coffee Espresso Listener-supported radio o ering a diverse mix of music & informative programming for the heart of Appalachia. 221 w. state street black mountain, nc 828.669.0999 www.dripolator.com Page 12 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 13 Eco-Champions Eight Reasons Why The Future is in Good Hands

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Page 14 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 Continued from previous page Eco-Champions ory Coots, Angel Hill, Struggling to Bring Ashley Phykitt C Charlotte, N.C. Ellie Hogg, Jade Slone Broadband to the Backroads Two years ago, an article in Charlotte Magazine de- & Jarrod Stamper tailed a day in the life of former Catawba Riverkeeper By Paige Campbell best bet? [To sell pizzas to] Whitesburg, Ky. thirty people in one apart- David Merryman and his battles to keep the river clean Eighth-grader Ja- ment complex, or thirty houses from coal ash. When Ashley Phykitt, then a 10-year-old, read the article, she was so rod Knight is having spread along a five-mile stretch inspired that she just had to get involved. “Before It’s Too Late,” a short film produced this past summer, trouble with his home- of road with a mean dog?” Ashley met up with David, and the two sampled water from Mountain Island Lake, investigates water quality in Letcher County, Ky. The five youth in- work. “The carrier has to get so the source of Charlotte’s drinking water, which lies adjacent to the Riverbend Steam volved in the project spoke with locals and other experts, uncover- At his school in mountainous many dollars per mile of cop- Station’s coal ash ponds. What they found in their water samples was toxicity in the ing critical information about water pollution. southeast Ohio, many class projects per or cable or fiber in order to coal ash discharge areas of Mountain Island Lake, suggesting that the toxic coal ash Every year, media nonprofit Applashop brings Appalachian high involve using the school’s broadband was seeping into the larger body of water. make a reasonable return on schoolers to Whitesburg, Ky., to gain media skills and explore re- internet connection. But if Knight can’t Ashley, now 12 years old, presented her findings and investment,” he explains. A far- gional issues for the Summer Documentary Institute. finish during class, those assignments won a “Special North Carolina American Waterworks flung population is discourag- Creating “Before It’s Too Late” had its difficulties — the young — like a weather-tracking science proj- Prize” from the North Carolina Science Engineering Fair ing enough. Rough topography filmmakers say that water quality can be a touchy subject in the ect — go home with him. in 2011. This past April, she traveled with Earthjustice also means that a mile between area, with some residents involved in lawsuits over pollution and That’s the trouble. Getting online and Physicians for Social Responsibility to Washington houses might actually demand others afraid of alienating employers or landlords. But Cory Coots, is tricky in Knight’s rural community. D.C., to present her findings to policymakers. She says three miles of cable. - 17, of Viper, Ky., says the topic is critically important. “Water quality Dial-up service is increasingly obsolete that her time there was “pretty fun,” and that the policy directly influences us because we drink that water, we bathe in that for many modern websites. Satellite makers were also “pretty serious.” Building a New water,” he says. “If there’s something wrong with it, it’s obviously internet is often unreliable. And his In the southwest Virginia town schoolwork. Without a dependable con- She suggests, from the findings in her project, that Framework going to affect us somehow.” family lives outside the service zone of of Lebanon, aerospace and defense nection at home, he often stays with his people should reduce the amount of electricity they A decade ago in the mountains of Ellie Hogg, 17, of Berea, Ky., says she has a new understanding every land-based high-speed internet company Northrop Grumman offers grandmother 40 minutes away, where use and find alternative means of energy besides coal. southwest Virginia, Jim Baldwin and of the impacts of water pollution, and believes that youth who speak provider in the area. one such opportunity; it opened an IT broadband is available, just to get his She is considering testing Lake Norman and Lake the Cumberland Plateau Planning out about these problems have the ability to bring awareness to The expectations Knight faces aren’t center there largely because of an exist- homework done. Wiley for water toxicity as well. Needless to say, for a District Commission faced a similar other young people. unusual. The National School Boards As- ing telecommunications infrastructure “I love to have Jarod stay with me,” seventh-grader, Ashley is well on her way to being a problem. An economic development “[The experience] made me feel more connected to people who sociation reported in 2007 that 96 percent Baldwin calls “comparable to anything his grandmother says. “But it’s very dif- serious keeper of the waters. — By Matt Grimley strategy team had determined that are involved in solving problems,” she says. — By Molly Moore of school districts permitted teachers to attracting high-paying jobs to Appala- you’d find in northern Virginia or Sili- ficult for him when [he can’t] be at home assign internet-based homework. Yet in chian Virginia would require a modern con Valley.” and sleep in his own bed.” Knight’s home state, a non-profit called telecommunications framework. Connect Ohio wants a similar Stu Johnson worries that technolog- Connect Ohio recently found lower Waiting for companies to build broadband network to eventually ical advancements will only widen the graduation rates among students lacking that framework wasn’t going to cut it, blanket their state. Through training gap for students like Knight. Compa- home high-speed internet. so Baldwin’s group applied for a grant programs, hardware upgrades, incen- nies find it more profitable to upgrade That disparity is one reason Connect from the federal Economic Development tives for providers, and legislation, the service for existing customers than Ohio’s mission is to bring high-speed, or Administration. That grant, matched organization is making Ohio more at- extend service to new ones, meaning broadband, internet to every Ohio house- by funds drawn from a legal settlement tractive to businesses and helping indi- bandwidth for some will increase while hold. In the state’s Appalachian region, with the tobacco industry, allowed the viduals access the many advantages Stu students without broadband will be left that’s a tall order. Barely half currently Commission to partner with the city of Johnson says broadband offers. From in the dust. use broadband. In a 2011 survey, moun- Bristol and begin subsidizing broadband searching for a job to providing home- Still, business is business. John- tain residents cited many reasons shared connections for regional businesses. based health care, day-to-day tasks are son’s goal: to tweak the economics just Over $4000 in cash and prizes by non-users statewide. Tight budgets. Since 2003, the project — with help increasingly internet-dependent. enough to get rural folks their pizza, for Security concerns. Lack of interest. from federal stimulus funds — has For Jarod Knight, the task at hand is everyone’s benefit. But one reason looked very differ- brought high-speed internet to nearly ent in the mountains. Asked why they 500 businesses in the region, including didn’t use broadband at home, Ap- small family shops, schools, hospitals, • Delicious Deli-Style SUBMISSION DEADLINE: palachian Ohioans were nearly three and large businesses like information- times as likely to answer, “Because it’s technology company CGI. Sandwiches Friday, November 16, 2012 not available.” Baldwin credits supportive law- Sponsored by Appalachian State University Outdoor Programs The problem is simple, says Con- makers, particularly then-Congressman • Homemade Soups nect Ohio’s executive director, Stu Rick Boucher, with getting the ball roll- Johnson: broadband is like pizza. And ing. “With very high unemployment • Vegetarian Fare the pizza guy won’t come that far from because of the mechanization of the coal • and Much More! Mount LeConte Winter town. industry, he saw this as a 21st century by Scott Hotaling To Enter “Imagine you want to sell thirty strategy to create new opportunities,” 2012 People’s Choice Award Visit: appmtnphotocomp.org pizzas,” Johnson says. “What’s your Baldwin says. Landscape Category 240 Shadowline Drive, Boone, North Carolina or call Outdoor Programs at 828.262.2475 (828) 262-1250 • www.Peppers-Restaurant.com Page 16 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 17 Growing Up Green Continued from page 8 Those numbers tell part of the story, bathroom. But, as a growing body of but the mission of environmental edu- research affirms, many of today’s kids in a perk like brewing pine needle tea, methods or encouraged to take students cation is also to increase kids’ familiarity are increasingly removed from their and it’s hard to imagine that a multiple- outside, and because science can be an with the natural world and encourage own backyards. Despite that distance, Clean Air choice worksheet would make a similar intimidating subject, teaching it in an their explorative instincts. Olson says these schoolchildren will need to under- impression. unusual setting can make some tradi- today’s students are often afraid of stand their relationship to the natural The energy conservation and trans- tional teachers uncomfortable. being hurt or lost in the forest, so the world in order to make tough decisions fer topic is a new addition to North Car- If administrators are concerned that Clean Water programs begin with a day designed about the future. olina’s fifth grade education standards. spending time away from the desk will to put them at ease. Once students A coal train screeches be- In fact, Muddy Sneakers has incorpo- lead to slipping scores on standardized feel prepared for challenges such as side the curving North Toe rated four subjects into its program that tests, Olson has an answer for that, too. He approaching thunderstorms, bee River as the Waterbug Safari Good Jobs are new to the 2012-2013 curriculum. offers a report that shows year-end scores stings and going to the bathroom students splash about, searching Staying on top of changes to state edu- in science, math and reading are signifi- outside, the following lessons for insects and squealing when cation standards and bringing in trained cantly higher among classes participating proceed more smoothly. one net incidentally catches outdoor education instructors provides in Muddy Sneakers. Gains in science are Perhaps ten years a fish. One day they will be a service to teachers and students, Olson particularly high — about 25 percent more ago fifth graders didn’t responsible for the river’s All three for NC says. Classroom teachers often aren’t students in participating classes meet or need to be taught how health; today they are exposed to experience-based education exceed state science standards. to use the outdoor saying hello.

Continued from page 11 Teaching Climate can be difficult. their school. Pi Beta Phi has To make the global is- a lengthy partnership with sistently say they need access to cur- in the Southern Appalachians are not sue tangible, the workshops Parks as Classrooms, a National rent, reliable information about climate predicted to be as dramatic as in other advise teachers to look at impacts Park Service initiative that encour- change and its regional and local im- parts of the country, and that commu- on creatures such as salamanders. ages teachers to use national parks pacts. He notes that the consequences nicating those subtleties to a classroom Appalachia is a diversity hotspot as places to facilitate learning about for these lungless amphibians, which cultural and natural resources. At the depend on narrow ranges of precipi- school, students begin talking about the tation and temperature and are at risk idea of climate as early as second grade. from habitat loss. By the time students reach sixth “What a great magazine!” Making chemistry concepts vi- grade, they have a good understanding sual is another challenge, says Erika of the underlying science, says Melissa “I discovered your Schneider, a former classroom teacher Crisp, the school’s Parks as Classrooms magazine while visiting and current outreach coordinator for coordinator. In addition, students here Western North Carolina’s businesses and families and found it to be Sundance Power Systems, Inc., a North “have grown up in this environment of uplifting and delightful! Carolina renewable energy company. looking at things open-mindedly and depend on clean air and clean water. When she talks to high schoolers about broadly,” she says. Sixth-graders debate I plan on moving to your carbon dioxide, she initiates a chemical topics such as the effects of coal plants Tell your legislators to do what’s good area and am thrilled to reaction so they can actually see the on climate change and the merits of stay in touch through normally invisible gas and compare the various types of energy. They head out for businesses and families and support all three for NC: your magnificent amount of carbon dioxide in ambient to a nearby overlook and take weather clean air, clean water, good jobs. magazine online.” air to the amount in a human exhala- samples; when they return to the class- tion or the amount released from a car room, it’s time for statistical analysis. —Best, tailpipe. What students do with the knowl- Go to www.allthree4NC.org to Karen from California edge they uncover is up to them. Karen whose parents live in contact your legislators and get more information. Taking It Outdoors McNeal of the Climate Literacy Project Vilas, NC Just outside the home or classroom, of the Southeast simply wants students Adventures Fast Rivers Rafting • Balltown Bee Farm • BH Graning Landscaping • Bio Wheels • Blackrock Outdoors • Bryson’s Farm Supply • Bryson City Bicycles • climate lessons are constantly unfold- to be informed. Cathy’s Garden Herbals • Cat’s Nip Café • City Lights Café • Copeland Colour • Country Roads Farm Nursery • Curtis Wright Outfitters • Dillsboro Inn • ing. Over time, studying seasonal Filling Station Deli and Sub Shop • Franklin Health and Fitness • Goshen Timber Frames • Great Smoky Mountain Fish Camp and Safaris • Headwaters Outfitters “It’s our job to do our best to inform changes such as when trees bud or lose • Heinzelmännchen Brewery • Hollifield Jewelers • Homegrown Concepts Inc. • Hookers • Huck Finn Rafting • In Your Ear Music • JAG and Associates Construc- people of the science,” she says. “As tion, Inc. • Jake’s Mountain House • Jones Country Store • Kallen Strategic Partners • Keller Williams Golf • krull & company • Legacy Paddlesports • Lewis Floor- their leaves and when migrating birds long as we’re doing that and not cherry- ing & Paint • Liberty Bicycles, Inc. • Mad Batter Bakery • Mahaley Odell Thompson Architect • Main Street Bakery • Motion Makers • Mountain Laurel Handrail • arrive can reveal the “fingerprint of picking the science, [as long as we’re] Nantahala Outdoor Center • Oaks Gallery • Outdoor ‘76 • Patriot Electric • Penumbra Gallery • Pomme de Terre Farm • Prudential Great Smokys Realty • Rolling 828-737-0771 climate change,” says DiDiego. Stone Burrito • Rosebud Cottage Gifts and Sandwich Shop • Saving Grace LLC • Shelton Family Farms • Signature Brew Coffee Roasting Co. Ski Country Sports • informing them of the whole science, PO Box 976, Linville, NC 28646 Students at Pi Beta Phi, a public small world strategies LLC • Smoky Mountain Bicycles • Somatic Motion/Tai Chi Chuan • Soul Infusion Tea House • Sourwood Inn • Stay and Play in the Smokies • the whole story, and giving them the Sundance Power Systems • The Maples Adult Mobile Home Park • The Ten Acre Garden • Vegenui Garden • Venture Local Franklin • At stores & businesses almost everywhere in the High Country ... and online at elementary school in Sevier Coun- skill-set to make their own decisions, Western Carolina Counseling Services PA • Wildwater • WillowWorks, Inc. • Wilson Chiropractic • Youngblood Bicycles CarolinaMountainLifeMagazine.com ty, Tenn., are monitoring how the [email protected] it’s up to the students and the parents Appalachian Voices • Clean Air Carolina • ECO • Environmental Defense Fund • Environment North Carolina • National Committee for the New River • North Carolina changing seasons affect 22 trees near Conservation Network • North Carolina Interfaith Power and Light • North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Foundation • Sierra Club • Southern Environmental to make those decisions.” Law Center • The Wilderness Society • Watershed Association of the Tuckasegee River • Western North Carolina Alliance • Western North Carolina Sierra Club Paid for by Southern Environmental Law Center Page 18 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 19 The COAL REPORT News from Appalachia and Beyond The COAL REPORT News from Appalachia and Beyond In Bankruptcy, Patriot Coal Creates Its Legacy for Mountain People’s Survival, dozens A Finite Frontier: Facing the Future of Central Appalachian Coal of protesters trespassed onto Patriot’s By Brian Sewell ing firms, however, suggest that The decline in demand for By Brian Sewell assets and the “unsustainable legacy first; legacy costs to employees come Hobet Mine Complex in Raleigh County, costs” in question. United Mine Work- from any remaining assets and often W.Va. The group focused their efforts on On Sept.18, Appalachian coal min- environmental regulations play coal influenced a decision by Concerns over how Patriot Coal will Alpha Natural Resources to ers of America President Cecil Roberts are not paid in full. exposing Patriot’s obligations, pointing ing giant Alpha Natural Resources only a minor role in the planned re- meet its commitments to generations of tirements of 10 to 20 percent of the restructure operations, and called Patriot a “house of cards” created While Patriot has attempted to out that UMWA pensions are funded announced it would idle eight mines reduce production of coal retirees have rippled throughout Ap- nation’s coal-fired power plants. by Peabody to “get out of its obligation assure that its obligations will be met, through a per-ton tax on coal, and “in and lay off 400 employees in the first sold to electric utilities in palachia. The St. Louis-based spin-off to pay for the pensions and health care the debt-addled company made clear the middle of a projected six-year, 50 per- phase of a “strategic repositioning” plan Instead, analysts say, a surge in the the U.S. In North Carolina, of Peabody Coal filed for bankruptcy in of thousands of people who spent their in official bankruptcy documents that cent decline in production, this funding designed to meet the evolving demands production of low-cost natural gas the largest consumer of July after reporting considerable losses Central Appalachian coal, lives working for Peabody.” a return to long-term viability depends stream is increasingly unsustainable.” of a changing global coal market. is forcing coal out of the market. since 2010. Patriot cited “substantial consumption at seven plants At the time of its formation, nearly on its “ability to achieve savings with Lou Martin, a professor at Cha- According to Alpha, the plan aims In 2011, North Carolina pur- and unsustainable legacy costs” owed chased 95 percent of its coal from scheduled to retire before two-thirds of Patriot’s workers were respect to these liabilities.” The UMWA, tham University, wrote an op-ed for to enhance the company’s position as 2020 has fallen by 80 to retirees and beneficiaries as factors. West Virginia, Kentucky and Virginia represented by the United Mine Work- along with the U.S. Trustee, is asking the Charleston Gazette reflecting on the the nation’s leading producer of high- percent in the past Now, with their benefits on the line, ers of America and many of its mines U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Shelley C. Chap- protest and its goals. “The real struggle quality metallurgical coal used to make coal mines. Yet, even utilities in the five years. Data compiled many former employees worry that were union operations. Provisions in man to move the case from New York is not between the tree huggers and the steel, while reducing production of low- Tarheel State, the largest buyer of by Appalachian Voices Patriot might have been created to fail. the Federal Mine Health and Safety Act to West Virginia, where the majority of miners. It is between the people and the er-quality thermal coal sold primarily Central Appalachian coal, have Retirees and union representatives include funding of health benefits for Patriot’s mines are located. outside corporations that will exploit to electric utilities in the United States. laid out plans to retire more than have said they believe that parent com- a quarter of their coal-fired gen- UMWA retirees. Under bankruptcy law, In July, during an act of civil disobe- the land and the people and leave noth- A statement from Alpha on the day pany Peabody planned to saddle Patriot erating capacity, replacing much commitments to shareholders are paid dience led by the group Radical Action ing behind, not even pensions.” of its big announcement said that “ap- with less-valuable Appalachian coal of it with natural gas-fired units. proximately 40 percent of the reduction Center on Budget and Policy will come from higher-cost thermal coal Just days before Alpha suggests that as productivity House Sides with Coal, reducing emissions. The court ordered the Well-Deserved Wings for a Alliance. Susan Lapis, a volunteer pilot operations in the East that are unlikely to announced its repositioning, of mines decreases due to agency to continue pollution enforcement un- with Southwings since 1999, was awarded North Carolina-based Progress Passes a Non-starter der the less stringent 2005 Clean Air Interstate Veteran Volunteer the NAA’s “Distinguished Volunteer Pilot” be competitive for the foreseeable future.” less accessible coal seams, it On Sept. 21, in its last act before the Recently, one pilot’s contributions in Rule until a viable replacement can be issued. award “for her enormous contributions us- Energy shuttered its H.F. Lee may mean a boost in employ- election, the Republican-led House of Rep- providing a bird’s-eye view of mountaintop Although Alpha did not comment ing her aviation skills to protect the natural Plant, a 385-megawatt facility resentatives passed H.R. 3409, a package removal mining operations in Central Ap- on why some thermal coal mines are no ment in the long-term. EPA Appeals Mountaintop heritage, communities and ecosystems of near Goldsboro almost a year of five bills it calls the “Stop the War on Coal palachia were recognized by the National longer competitive, political figures in The center also noted Removal Permitting Rule the Southeast.” earlier than it had initially in- Act,” claiming that environmental regulations Aeronautic Association and the Air Care that the type of coal being The U.S. Environmental Protection Appalachia were quick to blame regula- are the real enemy of economic prosperity. tended to begin construction mined is changing. One of Agency said it will appeal a July 31 ruling by tions designed to reduce pollution from “We’re closing one chapter, but Each of the bills would, in one way or an- on a natural gas facility at the a federal court dismissing its “guidance” rule mines and power plants that burn coal. the key components of Alpha’s re- other, decrease or undo protections under the opening another,” Jeff Lyash, vice on surface mine permitting in Appalachia. West Virginia Rep. Shelley Moore site. The second in a string of closures structuring is shifting the focus to Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, allowing president of energy supply for Duke Finalized in 2011, the guidance rule sought Progress calls its “fleet-modernization” metallurgical coal for steelmaking in coal companies and electric utilities more Capito wrote in a response to Alpha’s Energy, which recently merged with increased scrutiny on surface mine permit initiative, the Lee plant has relied room to pollute air and water. H.R. 3409 is announcement that, “Because of the nations such as China where demand applications, recommended limits on water Progress, told the investment analysis unlikely to pass the Senate and the Obama on Central Appalachian coal since it continues to grow. That may translate to conductivity, and including requirements for President’s War on Coal, thousands of website, SeekingAlpha.com. In June, administration has said it would veto the act was built in 1951. Next year, Progress more jobs in underground mines where more detailed studies of how mining impacts West Virginia families have to worry Duke CEO Jim Rogers said the utility without consideration. West Virginia Demo- will retire the L.V. Sutton Station in could be reduced or avoided. The court’s about where their next paycheck is go- high-quality and high-cost metallurgi- cratic Senator John Rockefeller expressed now relies on its coal fleet only when ruling does not prevent the EPA from deny- Wilmington, which has been in opera- cal coal is found. Despite plummeting the futility of the legislation, saying, “This is ing to come from.” hydroelectricity, nuclear and natural ing mountaintop removal permits that violate tion since 1954, and replace it with a productivity, one estimate suggests yet another effort by House Republicans to Reports from the Energy Informa- gas do not meet demand. the Clean Water Act. A statement from the 625-megawatt gas-fired power plant. score political points by pushing bills they there may be 10,000 more coal jobs in agency said that it will continue efforts “to tion Administration and private consult- Exacerbating the competition from know won’t become law instead of working Central Appalachia in 2035 than in 2010. protect public health and water quality for natural gas in domestic markets, mining to find actual solutions.” “We really don’t know how it will all Appalachian communities under the law.” conditions have deteriorated dramati- Sacrificing a Historic Landmark to Coal shake out,” said Sean O’Leary, a policy Embattled Clean Air Rule May cally in recent years due to the deple- Introducing ... The Toxic 20 analyst at the budget and policy center. In 1921, a bloody rebellion led by thou- to exercise their rights afforded tion of the highest quality and most Get a Second Chance A report by the National Resources De- sands of miners attempting to unionize by the permits.” The battle “The mix of falling production and fall- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agen- accessible seams of coal. In 2008, the fense Council ranked states according to air played out over a week on Blair Mountain remains the largest ing productivity may eventually increase cy has appealed a federal court decision that pollution from the electric power sector and EIA reported that West Virginia struck down its 2011 Cross-state Air Pollution in southern West Virginia. The Spruce armed American jobs, but even in that case it takes years coal-fired power plants in particular. The Toxic Fork Ridge battlefield is one of the most rebellion since the produced 157.8 million tons of Rule, calling for a full review of the court’s 20 included all of the Central Appalachian for the initial losses to come back.” significant historic landmarks in Appala- Civil War, and Blair coal. It predicts that number statement that the agency had overstepped states, with Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia In the meantime, the center advo- chia, but on Oct. 2, a federal judge dis- Mountain is treated could drop to 90.1 million tons its authority and that the standards were too and North Carolina in the top ten. The report cates for the formation of a coal mining strict. The Cross-state Rule focuses on the missed an appeal by a coalition of groups as an archeological per year by 2020, a decrease of notes that pollution levels are declining due to seeking to restore the site’s listing on site by research- transition taskforce that will “help com- reduction of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide new pollution standards, citing some power more than 42 percent. emissions — the majority of which are emitted The National Register of Historic Places ers and historians. munities look for viable ways to ease the companies’ decision to invest in pollution to protect it from mountaintop removal. The site became Until recently, however, from coal-fired power plants — and according possible impact and search for viable controls before new standards come into Judge Reggie B. Walton explained his listed as a historic coal mining employment has to the EPA would benefit the health of more effect and predicts that reduction in mercury economic alternatives,” and is calling decision to dismiss the case by saying landmark in 2009 before remained stable or grown in than 240 million Americans in 28 states. and sulfur dioxide emissions will continue due on West Virginia and all of the coal min- Judge Judith Rogers, the dissenting judge in that, even if Blair Mountain’s listing been it was removed from the list due some parts of Appalachia. Counterin- to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s restored, it would not prevent mining from to pressure from coal companies ing states in Appalachia to invest in the the 2-1 vote, stated that the majority opinion tuitive to the logic of the “war on coal,” Mercury and Air Toxics standard that was final- occurring “should the coal mining com- eager to conduct surface mining what future holds for coal miners — not resulted in “the endorsement of a ‘maximum ized in 2011. EIA data compiled by the West Virginia delay’ strategy” against regulations aimed at panies who own existing permits choose operations on the mountain. just the coal mined.

Page 20 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 21 This GREEN House Two School Districts Go Green to Save Green By Toby MacDermott system. Rather than buy- Naturalist’s Notebook ing new, Wolfe’s team went North Adams Elementary through the existing system is one of the greenest schools and made sure that every- in southeast Ohio. With solar A Short Hiss-tory of Timber Rattlesnakes thing was running smoothly, panels on the roof, wild tur- then took a close look at how By Matt Grimley they are interfered with by development keys roaming the grounds, they used it. Instead of heat- or human round-ups, the population of and a design based on LEED, Imagine yourself in the mountains, ing or cooling the building in that den will survive as long as it takes or Leadership in Energy and climbing near large rocks. Suddenly, case someone needs to use you to say, “Maracas.” Environmental Design, stan- from an outcropping near your feet, you it, now there is a reservation The fact is that most people don’t dards, this school exemplifies hear something. It rattles like a maraca, system. If someone needs to much like snakes; however, for all the sustainability in action. But you think, but not as festively. use the building after hours, hubbub over snake bites, they are not at this building is not alone. The Congratulations: you found a a quick reservation is all they all prevalent. The odds of getting bitten entire Adams County/Ohio timber rattlesnake! Historically, it has need to do, otherwise the by a venomous snake are very improb- Valley school district has gone not been hard to happen upon Crotalus system turns off when the able: less than one in 37,500 people green. With solar panels on horridus. This snake can be found in school day ends. Similarly, nationwide will be envenomated, and several school buildings, and the eastern United States, coiling them- the classroom temperature is only one in 50 million will die from that the school board’s pursuit of selves throughout the dense coastal now limited to a couple of de- bite (about five or six fatalities energy efficiency helping the wetlands, low pine flatwoods and rocky grees up or down. No longer every year). By comparison, their bottom line, the students By improving efficiency and switching to renewable power sources such as solar panels and geothermal heating and mountainsides of Appalachia. FUN F could “people get their rooms Americans are more likely to ACTS get a real world education in cooling, the Adams County/Ohio Valley school district saved over $100,000 in utility costs at three older high schools. Despite their importance in the Rolling snake eyes: Americans are more like a freezer, or like a sauna,” die from a dog attack, a light- the benefits of going green. Photo courtesy of Kastle Solar LLC larger ecosystems and their beneficial likely to die from a dog attack, a lightning says Wolfe. Changing the way ning strike or a car accident • Timber rattlesnake venom varies geographi- All this has taken place in ability to control rodent populations, strike or a car accident than a venomous that the HVAC system runs was than a snake bite. cally and from snake to snake, and can be the past five years, without a energy conservation strategy. Similarly, three older high schools],” says Wolfe. timber rattlesnake numbers are current- snake bite. The timber rattlesnake, in one of their most effective energy saving The timber rattlesnake, divided into four basic types large out-of-pocket expense. Located solar panels were installed on the roof With all these solar panels and ly slithering downwards. Scientists and particular, won’t strike unless provoked. measures. by most accounts, is a reti- • West Virginia named the timber rattlesnake in the Ohio Valley, this rural, somewhat through a partnership with Kastle Solar savings from efficiency, the schools field observers, despite scarce data to In order to upgrade the lighting cent creature whose rat- its state reptile in 2008 impoverished area has one of the high- LLC. They own and installed the panels have been able to share the learning show trends, have a general consensus with brown or black crossbands. systems, the school district looked at tling serves only to warn est unemployment rates in the state. at no cost to the district, allowing the experience with their students. A web- that populations will decline at a rate of • In North Carolina, every year 19 snake bites The black phase rattlers are almost rebates and incentives offered by their people away. From what Despite these hurdles, the school district school to buy electricity at a greatly site shows the energy production from more than 10 percent over the next 20 occur per 100,000 people — about five times completely black, with a dark base local electric utility. With very little cash Blue Ridge Parkway biolo- has transformed itself into “one of the reduced rate when the sun is out. the solar panels in real time, so that the to 30 years. Populations in Maine and the national average, making it the highest in and darker crossbands (contrary to outlay, they replaced the metal halide gist Bob Cherry has heard, the nation. greener districts around here,” accord- Similarly, by going through older students can see when the lights and Rhode Island are already presumed some myths, the sex of the timber bulbs in the schools’ gyms with much many snake bites involve ing to Facilities Manager Steve Wolfe. schools with a fine-toothed comb to computers in their classrooms are run- to be gone, and several Appalachian • Rattlers like these generally migrate 1.3 to 2.5 rattlesnake cannot be determined more efficient fluorescent bulbs. “the hands of young males Through a partnership with the improve efficiency, the school district ning off the sun. states, in hopes of preventing a similar miles from their den every summer by its color). Once educators began to see the who have been drinking.” In Ohio School Facilities Commission, Ad- was able to save quite a bit of money. With the children learning these catastrophe, recognize this snake as a • Every time the snake sheds its skin, a new If you should run across one benefits of having more efficient sys- other words, the people who ams County schools were able to fund Through another partnership, they were valuable lessons at school, the entire threatened or endangered species. segment on the rattle is added of these rattlers on your own tems, they also began to envision new get bit the most might be 1) several new schools for seven cents able to replace old inefficient bulbs with community sees the benefits. Jim Mc- Because the timber rattlesnake gives property, Bob Cherry says, grab a ways to teach their students. Efficiency the least cautious and 2) the on the dollar. Geothermal heating and modern low-energy bulbs. Clanahan, energy manager for Scott birth once every three years, they do not rake or broom — something softer and energy savings tie right into teach- most provocative. cooling systems at several new schools “Twelve months later we had County Schools in Kentucky, took a typically respond well to human impacts. vipers, is given away by its triangular- than a pole, which can easily harm ing children about basic science and Fortunately, it’s easy to snake your were installed as part of the district’s shaved over $100,000 off the utilities [at different approach to keeping the lights Snake poaching and hunting continue to shaped head, the visible heat-sensitive the snake — and safely scoop the snake way out of an encounter. Know that the off. Rather than spending money on economics. Continuing their environ- haunt the species, as individuals often il- pits on the sides of its face, and its into a hard-sided plastic container such grand majority of snakebites occur dur- occupancy sensing switches to turn off mental stewardship work, the school legally collect them for the skin, meat, or vertically elliptical pupils that dilate to as a trash bin. ing the summer months. Stay on clearly the lights when the room is empty, he board has recently begun a robust re- even just the sport (If you want to be disil- near-circles in dim light. The northern Because the timber rattlesnake and marked trails and out of tall grass. Be BarBeCue reStaurant & empowered the students. Now they cycling program for the district: A new lusioned, search “rattlesnake round-up” copperhead, which can be easily iden- other snakes are very territorial, once careful when putting your feet or hands atering erviCe have Student Energy Teams that turn solar-powered recycling compactor lets online). Habitat fragmentation and popu- tified by the rust-colored patch atop its they are moved beyond their home ter- C S out of sight, and be sure to wear boots off unused lights and remind others students see the power of the sun in lation isolation due to human infringe- head, is the only other venomous snake ritory, they suffer from high mortality and thick socks while hiking. If you run to do the same, helping to change the action, and saves transportation costs ments have also biten the rattler hard. in Appalachia. rates. For this reason, move the snake by reducing the amount of recycling across a snake, just stay away: they can no more than a couple hundred yards Open 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun.- Thur. culture of the schools. The students take One of the bigger factors in their The timber rattlesnake has a heavy truck traffic. only effectively strike within a distance Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. this education home, spreading the ben- decline in Appalachia is the destruction body and a three-foot length on average, away. The snake, negatively associating of one-half the length of their bodies. efits from school into the community. With all the economic, educational of hibernacula, the shelters where these but some can grow to five or six feet. your yard with a forced emigration, 8304 Valley Blvd (HWY 321 Bypass) But how are you to know if your In Adams County, Ohio, Wolfe’s and environmental benefits of green serpents while away their winters. These Its coloration, at least in the mountains, shouldn’t come back. Blowing Rock, NC 28605 scaled surprise is a timber rattlesnake? search for energy inefficiencies in their building and energy efficiency, Wolfe dens can be found below the frostline in will occur primarily in two varieties: a And even if the timber rattlesnake Of course, the rattle is an obvious mark- old schools led them to the biggest says,”It’s win, win, win all the way rock outcroppings, hard stump holes, or yellow phase and a black phase. The yel- does return, you can recognize its lively er, but there are other ways to identify energy user in the building, the HVAC around.” solid piles of brush. They are the center- low phase tends to be more common: its maraca as a simple reminder — you it. This venomous pit viper, like all pit pieces of a rattler’s territory, and when body will be a yellow or tan base-color stay on your side, and I’ll stay on mine. Restaurant (828) 295-3651 Catering (828) 295-3395

Page 22 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 23 Editorial Uneven Ground: Examining Appalachian History Since 1945 By Matt Grimley ground in the mountains — the assumptions about how we define progress and unequal access to good jobs, Imagine two Appalachias: one of superimpose those ideas on local communities ... a Seeking A Return to Truth education, and healthcare, banjos, moonshine, and dilapidated log top-down approach that has created inequalities [in among other resources — con- When did America’s leaders stop trusting in science? cabins; the other of people, their families, Appalachia].” In enumerating the ways in which the tinued without balance. This fair country, with its wealth of knowledge and their rich history and unfulfilled futures. “help” for the region has failed, he challenges the opportunity, used to be one of the global frontrunners in That dichotomy and how it is exploited It’s true, Eller reports, that reader’s assumptions. And through this challenge, he scientific reasoning, influence and education. We stood is what University of Kentucky professor the averages of poverty rates gives the reader the freedom to be informed about the by the principles of proof rather than blind emotion or Ronald D. Eller writes about in Uneven and per capita income have im- lives of real people. myth. In the 19th century, those principles brought us Ground: Appalachia Since 1945. proved for Appalachia over the Through the mist of many failures, Eller does find anaesthesia and refrigeration, and in the 20th century they Eller writes with lucidity and direct- past 40 years. But the numbers the successes. The rediscovery of Appalachian culture launched us to the moon and made us a leader in medicine, ness as he provides a play-by-play of the fail to tell the whole truth, that locally and abroad continues to give many a sense computer technology. In fact, since 1950, Americans have many politicians, intellectuals and the income gap between rural of pride and place. People like the reform-minded won approximately half of the Nobel Prizes awarded in others who try to right Appalachia’s and urban communities has wid- Appalachian Volunteers of the ‘60s and the Larry the sciences. wrongs. The largest of their efforts ened significantly, that depen- Gibsons who fight tirelessly against mountaintop So tell me, when did we abandon reason for madness? was the War on Poverty, brought dence on outside markets and removal are endlessly valuable for social justice. And In some circles in modern America, to admit that forth by presidents Kennedy and absentee capital continues to be the emergence of ecotourism and the possibilities of climate change exists is to admit that what many of our Johnson in the 1960s. It aimed embraced, and that “progress” alternative, localized economies seem promising for corporate interests have done in pursuit of profit is not only to bring the backward culture of and “growth” still benefit local leaders and business- a region seeking to secure its future. selfish, but immoral, unjust and in some cases amounts to Appalachia, with its lack of mate- men rather than improving the lives of the people. For anyone looking to read a people’s history of Uneven Ground negligent homicide. rial goods and its poverty that was There aren’t many conclusions in the book, and Appalachia, was a joy to read and is We have never been more equipped, technologically “simply out of step with the rest of America,” into perhaps rightfully so. As Eller said in an interview highly recommended. Odyssey or cognitively, to address the greatest challenges of our the mainstream. with UK’s publication, the approach to help- time. And climate change is unequivocally one of them. Viewpoint Despite the government’s best efforts, the uneven ing this region has always been to “take national Yet, instead of taking sound science into account, much less accept and act on it, many continue to choose denial. How the Rest of the World Needs to Help Educate the U.S. The twisting of scientific facts — and climate science Letters to the Editor in particular — is a smokescreen that hides the guilt and By the Rev. Pat Watkins on the back for having been such do. People in third world countries a good source of economic pros- don’t have the luxury of being fattened purses of those who are desecrating our planet, Several years ago, volunteers perity in the region for so many able to isolate themselves from the Chicken Farms Fowl ing frequency. To do the math: one not allowed to regulate “agriculture.” It poisoning people and polluting the future of our children from a United Methodist Church years, even though the riches tend earth’s suffering; when the planet Water Quality in N.C. house using 10 gal. per minute will use seems inevitable that we will look back in exchange for quarterly earnings. traveled to a small village in Ke- to leave while coal-bearing regions suffers, they suffer. Dear Editor, 600 gallons an hour or 14,400 gallons 20 or maybe five years from now and According to a yearly study by Yale University, fol- nya where they observed that the remain poor. They believe they are It’s not fair! It’s time for Amer- per day. With the cooling season here realize we have destroyed our environ- lowing the severe drought and bizarre weather of the past women of the village were walk- I appreciate your special on water “helping” the people of Appalachia ica to shed our arrogance and listen stretching to 200 days per annum, that ment to keep a bunch of chickens cool. two years, a whopping 66 percent of Americans believe ing, twice a day with buckets on pollution in our region (Changing Cur- but they never bothered to ask the to the voices from all over the world. one house may use two million, eight Who will help? Will you? in climate change, while a report by the George Mason their heads, to a river a mile away rents, August/September 2012). There is people if they wanted their moun- Rather than seeing ourselves as the hundred and eight thousand gallons Thanks University Center for Climate Change Communication to get water for their families. De- a more serious problem, however. Just tains to disappear and their water “great white hope” with a “calling” in a year. One “farm” now under de- P. Loch Hoffman Used, revealed that 72 percent believe that developing clean ciding this village could really use down the mountain and around the to be so contaminated they could to educate and “take care of” the velopment is slated to have 30 of these Burke County, N.C. energies should be a national priority. Even following the their help, the next year the team corner from your office in Boone, N.C., Rare & Out no longer drink it. They never rest of the world, we so desperately houses. That is 56 plus million gallons cold winters of 2009 and 2010, more than half of Americans returned to dig a well. But upon there is an ongoing crime being commit- asked the people if they wanted need to be educated by those sisters per year. The notion that this can be sus- of Print Books still believed climate change was a real threat — despite returning the third year, the team ted against man and nature. We are suf- lower life expectancies due to the and brothers of other nations! Our tained for any length of time is risible. Specializing in studies that show colder winters skew the results even if discovered that the women were fering from a boom in chicken factories human health risks associated with problems are global; the solutions Books about Black still making the two mile round trip which are beyond the law because they Thirty-five years ago when I bought summers are warmer. coal. Thinking that we know what have to be global as well. As soon as Mountain College to the river for water. It turned out call themselves farms. a small piece of our family farm, I But thanks to a powerful propaganda machine, un- is best for others without engag- we see ourselves as part of the same these treks were the only times the These so-called “farms” are being hauled my domestic water from a scrupulous media outlets that act as little more than echo ing them in the conversation is the global community and really listen women of the village could social- constructed at a rapid pace especially spring behind my house. The spring chambers, and embedded industry lobbyists on Capitol height of arrogance. to one another rather than insisting ize with each other, and that was in Burke, Catawba, and Cleveland is now dry. The creek it fed is now dry. Hill, the nation’s politicians are falling in line not with I recently attended an inter- that we have all the answers, we more valuable than the convenience Five years ago my drinking water well honest and verifiable scientific facts, and not with the national conference of the United might just surprise ourselves with Counties [in North Carolina]. They are of a well in the village — which ran dry. This year a second, deeper American people they purport to represent, but with the Methodist Church to listen to del- some true, appropriate solutions to being built here to grab and use up our coincidentally was also connected well also went dry. The Western N.C. corporations that line their pockets. egates from other countries talk the world’s problems. common heritage, our water table that to increased mosquitoes and higher Council of Governments got a grant to Our most admired Founding Fathers — including about environmental issues. I was has been created by the earth over mil- incidences of malaria. run city water down the road I live on, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin — astonished to discover that United Rev. Pat Watkins currently serves lions of years. Sometimes we think we know but because our property is about 50 adhered to the tenets of scientific study. It’s time that the Methodists from all over the world as executive director of Caretakers of The numbers are amazing. Each what is best for other people with- feet short of the road I was not eligible American people demand that our politicians embrace a are quite aware of what is happen- God’s Creation, a United Methodist “house” uses as much as 10 gallons out asking them what they think for a subsidized hook up. Many others mindset where sensibility and reason prevail and scientific ing to the planet; in fact, people in creation care ministry. His passion is a minute to keep their fine feathered they need. The church has been in this rural area of southern Burke are Jean & Carl Franklin Powered fact is accepted as just that — fact. third world countries seemed more to raise the awareness of people of faith friends from dying of heat stroke. Most by (PV) guilty of displaying that arrogance. 103 Cherry Street Solar Cells cognizant because they often live that there is a connection between faith farms are hooked up to city water but in similar straits. So tell me, when will we return from madness to Coal companies in Appalachia Black Mountain, NC 28711 their lives far more connected to and a responsibility to care for and heal use it only if (or when) their wells run The North Carolina Dept of Natural reason? have been guilty of displaying such (828) 669-8149 the earth than people in America God’s creation. Resources’ hands are tied as they are arrogance. They pat themselves dry, which is happening with increas- [email protected]

Page 24 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 25 INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work INSIDE APPALACHIAN VOICES About Our Program Work Appalachian Voices is committed to protecting the land, air and water Bringing Polluters to Justice — One Court Case at a Time Victory in Virginia ODEC Coal Plant Fight! of the Central and Southern Appalachian region. Our mission is Cromer of Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Members of the Wise Energy for Vir- members of the coalition aided residents We look forward to seeing ODEC move By Eric Chance and Erin Savage to empower people to defend our Lauren Waterworth, and the Pace Law School ginia Coalition rejoiced recently over news in a fierce, years-long battle to stop the away from fossil fuels and toward a fu- On Oct 1., Appalachian Voices and a region’s rich natural and cultural Environmental Litigation Clinic. that plans for the state’s largest proposed proposed plant. The coalition credits ture powered by wind and solar energy,” coalition of citizens’ groups reached a historic heritage by providing them with In October 2010, the environmental coal-fired power plant were put on hold. mounting citizen objection, including said Beth Kemler, Virginia state director settlement in a Kentucky case involving some tools and strategies for successful coalition and several individual citizens filed Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, pressure from ODEC’s own customers with the Chesapeake Climate Action Net- of the most far-reaching and astonishing vio- grassroots campaigns. notices of their intent to sue ICG and Frasure the third largest power utility in the Com- and shareholders — as well as declines work, a coalition group. lations of the Clean Water Act in its 40-year Creek. In response to the coalition’s notice, monwealth, announced earlier this fall in the coal market — for this long-awaited Coalition member groups hope to history. the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabi- that it was suspending the permitting common sense decision. More than 8,000 work with ODEC on projects that provide Organizational Staff The agreement between the citizens’ net reacted by attempting to shelter the coal process for its proposed coal plant in the people signed a petition to the Army Corps more affordable and climate-friendly groups, International Coal Group, Inc., and companies by reaching a low settlement that Hampton Roads area of Surry County. of Engineers opposing the plant. sources of energy for its customers, and Executive Director...... Willa Mays the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabi- contained no meaningful measures to ensure The 1500-megawatt, $6 billion plant would “The suspension of plans for this pledge to keep a close eye on the utility net settled a lawsuit filed by the coalition over the companies would submit accurate reports have been the state’s largest polluting plant, which would belch as much carbon to ensure it does not revive the coal plant OPERATIONS & DEVELOPMENT years of false reporting and water pollution in the future. power plant. dioxide as about 2 million cars, is a great proposal in the future. Director of Development...... Kevin Jones violations, caused by a failure of the state of Following an objection by the citizens’ Appalachian Voices and the other four sign for the fight against climate change. Controller...... Susan Congelosi Kentucky to enforce the Clean Water Act. groups, the judge in the case withheld ap- Operations Manager...... Shay Boyd The settlement, approved by the Franklin proval of the settlements, and instead allowed Circuit Court on Oct. 10, includes a stipula- the coalition to intervene. The intervention Director of Leadership Gifts ...... Kayti Wingfield tion for ongoing third-party auditing of ICG’s was later upheld by the Supreme Court of Operations and Outreach Associate ...... Maeve Gould water pollution monitoring and reporting to Kentucky. Participating In the PROGRAMS ensure the company submits accurate data This chart shows some of the changes in reporting by International Coal Group before and after legal A settlement with Frasure Creek Mining to the state in the future, and also establishes action by Appalachian Voices and our allies in October of 2010. has not been reached, therefore that case will Director of Programs...... Matt Wasson stipulated fines for potential future violations. Democratic Process move forward in state and federal court. Deputy Program Director / Va Director...... Tom Cormons The settlement also includes $575,000 in In 2010, Appalachian Voices uncovered in Kentucky can be considered the most far- At the beginning of September, Appalachian Voices Appalachian Voices is also involved in a Campaign Director...... Lenny Kohm penalties. Although that represents a fraction of thousands of falsified pollution monitoring reports reaching and egregious noncompliance with the similar lawsuit against another Kentucky coal headed to the front lines of our democracy at the Democratic Washington, D.C. Director ...... Kate Rooth the maximum penalties allowed by the Clean Water submitted by two of Kentucky’s largest coal com- Clean Water Act in the law’s entire 40-year history. company, Nally & Hamilton, as well as two National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. Act, it is the highest fine ever levied by the state of panies, ICG and Frasure Creek Mining. In all, the It’s astonishing that the cabinet could have been separate lawsuits against Virginia coal companies During the week, we handed out hundreds of “I Heart Legislative Associate ...... Thom Kay Kentucky against coal companies and the first time analysis uncovered more than 20,000 violations so oblivious,” says Waterkeeper Alliance attorney Penn Virginia and A&G Coal Corporation, all for Mountains” buttons and engaged countless people on the Tennessee Director ...... J.W. Randolph a state court has allowed affected citizens’ groups of the Clean Water Act at dozens of coal mines Peter Harrison. pollution discharge violations under the Clean need to end mountaintop removal coal mining, protect our North Carolina Campaign Coordinator...... Sandra Diaz to intervene in a Clean Water Act enforcement in eastern Kentucky, from obvious duplications We are proud to work with a great coalition waterways under the Clean Water Act, and transition Ap- Water Act. Virginia Campaign Coordinator...... Nathan Jenkins case. The fees are to be allocated to directly fund of data in one report to the next to contradictory of citizens’ groups including Kentuckians For Visit appvoices.org/waterwatch/ for updates palachia to a cleaner energy future. Joined by Tennessee Water Quality Specialist ...... Eric Chance water quality improvements and water monitoring reports for the same discharge points. The Commonwealth, Kentucky Riverkeeper on all our legal actions to protect the waterways resident Ann League, we walked the long halls of the conven- programs in the eastern part of the state. “The false-reporting epidemic we uncovered and Waterkeeper Alliance, represented by Mary of Appalachia. tion arena and talked with dozens of lawmakers and leaders, Water Quality Specialist ...... Erin Savage including Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Technology & Communications Jackson, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Virginia gubernatorial Organizational Roundup candidate Terry McAuliffe. Director of Communications...... Cat McCue Dr. Matt Wasson, our director of programs, joined Ann Communications Coordinator...... Jamie Goodman League and Catawba Riverkeeper Rick Gaskins to participate in Program Communications Coordinator...... Brian Sewell of mountaintop removal coal mining. For more energy alternative to fossil fuels. Congress is that would open the door to low-interest loans a televised panel discussion on the tragedies of the coal cycle, A “Degree” in Eco-Literacy Americorps Communications Outreach...... Molly Moore information visit: ecoliteracy.org. scheduled to review the measure when legisla- for energy efficiency upgrades for residential and from mountaintop removal mining to the disposal of coal waste. ILoveMountains.org, the Alliance for Ap- Americorps EdUcation Outreach...... Matt Grimley palachia website administered by Appalachian tors return for their final session in December. commercial customers of rural electric coopera- We attended another special panel on the “Future of Energy” to Clockwise from top: Graphic Designer...... Meghan Darst Voices, was recently highlighted as a “recom- Rooting for Clean Energy tives. Our technical comments in support of the support Sen. Ben Cardin, a champion of the movement to end Van Jones inspires the mended teaching tool” in a new book published Appalachian Voices joined forces with nearly An Efficient Proposition rule encouraged a focus on tools like on-bill mountaintop removal and transition away from coal. crowd at a joint reception with Greenpeace; D.C. Director Kate IT Assistant...... Toby McDermott thirty organizations to urge Congress to continue Appalachian Voices recently joined with other financing, flexibility for borrowers and an increase Appalachian Voices also teamed up with Greenpeace to host by the Center for Ecoliteracy. Co-authored with Rooth and Legislative Associate Thom Kay discuss mountains with INTERNS bestselling author Daniel Goleman, Ecoliter- tax incentives for onshore and offshore wind de- regional and national organizations to support in the amount of money put towards the program. a special “Bourbon, Bluegrass and a Better Future for Appala- Senator Chuck Schumer from New York; Tennessee Director JW velopment on the East Coast. Set to expire at the a proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture rule Operations Assistant ...... Sheila Ostroff ate tells the stories of activists, educators and chia” reception at the New Gallery of Modern Art in downtown Randolph (right) meets former presidential candidate and retired end of this year, the Renewable Energy Produc- Charlotte. The event was a smashing success, with impassioned ountaintop emoval ampaign ssistant young people from across the nation who are General Wesley Clark. M R C A .... Cora Kessler tion Tax Credit and the Investment Tax Credit both creatively addressing issues related to coal, oil, calls to end mountaintop removal and rousing endorsements of Red, White & Water Campaign Asst...... Tabitha Lunsford offer financial incentives to companies seeking our work from special guests including Sen. Cardin, green jobs to a national political convention. We also applied to attend the food and water. THe book provides instruction Accolades for an Amazing Advocate Red, White & Water Campaign Asst...... Hallie Carde on how we can advance academic achievement to develop wind in resource-rich areas. A letter guru and AV’s Board Advisory Council member Van Jones, and Republican National Convention in Tampa but were not awarded Appalachian Voices has achieving social and environ- Tennessee Mining Research Assistant ...... Nick Amis while protecting the natural world on which we to congressional leadership from the groups — North Carolina Representative Pricey Harrison. passes to that event. had more than our share of mental justice never ceases to ater rogram ssistant Courtney Cooper depend. iLoveMountains.org’s My Connection including National Audubon, Oceana, Sierra Club This marked the first time that AV brought our message For pictures and full updates, visit appvoices.org/dnc. W P A ...... passionate and dedicated amaze us. Besides her work tool was highlighted in the book as a useful and Physicians for Social Responsibility — noted Online & Communications Assistant ...... Matt Abele volunteers over the years, with Appalachian Voices, she application to help students understand their that the incentives provide an economic boost and one person’s energetic was one of 300 selected from personal stake in the seemingly remote issue through job creation and also provide a clean devotion shines like a solar- 127 different countries to at- Showing Some Board of Directors powered LED light bulb. . tend the Oxfam International Sheila Ostroff, a student Youth Project in 2010. Clean Water Love Chair ------Christina Howe at Appalachian State Univer- During her time with Ap- On October 18, shortly after we go to press, the Secretary ------Cale Jaffe sity focusing on Sustainable palachian Voices, Sheila took Clean Water Act will turn 40 years old. Treasurer ------Bunk Spann AppalachianVoices Development, Appropriate the lead on planning an event In conjunction with that anniversary, our Red, Members-At-Large Technology, Communications and Non-Profit for more than 50 children during the 2011 White & Water team is putting together a report Business League Clara Bingham Silas House Brenda Sigmon Organization Management, has championed Summer Adventure Camp, and this summer on the successes of the long-standing program, Renewing Membe Rev. Jim Deming Landra Lewis Lauren Waterworth New & rs — August ber 2012 Appalachian Voices as a volunteer, intern, engaged local businesses to display Appa- complete with personal stories of residents and / Septem Dot Griffith Rick Phelps Willa Mays (Ex- unofficial university liaison, cheerleader, lachian Voices brochures and sell the very communities who have benefited from the protec- Mary Anne Hitt Kathy Selvage officio) and most recently as a paid administrative popular I Heart Mountains bumperstickers. tions it affords. Ambiance Interiors — Asheville NC assistant. She has tabled at events, given Our deepest gratitude for everything this Also included will be an outline of the recent Advisory Council Overhill Gardens — Vonore TN guest presentations, and spoken with strang- amazing young woman has accomplished for political threats to the legislation’s very existence. Jonathan C. Allen Randy Hayes ers in coffee shops with a fervent passion us so far. If all the world were filled with envi- Watch the virtual birthday party video and find out Yellow Dog Entertainment — Asheville NC to educate people about our mission and ronmental advocates like Sheila, there would Jessica Barbara Brown Van Jones how you can join the movement to protect America’s Alfred Glover encourage them to take action. be no need for environmental advocacy. waterways at appvoices.org/clean-water-love/. To become a business member visit AppalachianVoices.org or call us at 877-APP-VOICE Her enthusiasm and commitment to Page 26 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012 October/November 2012 | The Appalachian Voice | Page 27 Non-Profit The Appalachian Voice Organization US Postage Paid 171 Grand Boulevard Permit No. 294 Boone, NC 28607 Boone, NC www.appalachianvoices.org

From the depths of the Linville Gorge, the fall colors make their way down to the river as Hawksbill stands proud in the distance. The image, by Lynn Willis of Valle Crucis, N.C. is a detail of his finalist image in the 2012 Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition Adventure category. Submissions are now being accepted for the 2013 competition, see page 5 in this issue for details on how to enter. To see more of Lynn’s images, visit LynnWillis.com. GET INVOLVED environmental & cultural events in the region Email [email protected] to be included in our Mountain Justice Fall Summit members are free. Cherokee National Forest, ern Appalachian Mountain Stewards Oct. 19-21: A weekend of workshops and Tenn. Contact Jeff Hunter at 423-322-7866 or Office and the Appalachia Senior Center Get Involved listing. Deadline for the next issue training sessions to learn about Appalachian Visit: tnwild.org/get_involved/outings. in Appalachia, Va. Call 276-565-6167 or will be Friday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. for events taking visit: samsva.org/aces. culture and the long resistance to moun- Oktoberfest at FENCE place between Dec. 5 and Feb. 5. taintop removal. Participants will also wit- Oct. 27th, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Come for live Election Day ness mountaintop removal firsthand from music from Special Edition and Project X, Nov. 6: Remember to vote! Shalefield Justice Action Camp Kayford Mountain, home of the late Larry German food, antiques, art and all the beer 57th Watauga County Nov. 10 - Nov. 12: Join the Shadbush Collec- Gibson. Rock Creek, W.Va. To register visit: and wine your heart desires. $35 admission Farm-City Banquet tive for a weekend of trainings and workshops mjfallsummit2012.eventbrite.com. includes beer and wine, $25 for all others, Nov. 8, 6 p.m.: Celebrate Watauga County- as they build the movement against fossil fuel Lake Conestee Nature $15 for ages 12-20. Located at 3381 Hunting produced farm products and farmers, food extraction. The weekend will include trainings Country Road, Tryon, N.C. Call 828-859-9021 Park Cleanup entrepreneurs, and supporters of local farms. on non-violent action as well as discussions or visit: fence.org. Oct. 20, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Join Friends of Banquet is held at the Boone United Method- on the impacts of fracking and coal produc- the Reedy River at Lake Conestee Nature Walk For Justice on ist Church, in Boone, N.C. Tickets may be tion in the region, research and media work, Park, and help clean up the Reedy River Cumberland Mountain purchased at Watauga Extension Office until community organizing and movement building. and the surrounding areas within Lake Con- Oct. 27, 10 a.m. (Central Time): An an- Nov. 7; adults are $10, children 6-12 are $5, and Southwest Pennsylvania, exact location TBD. estee Nature Park. Greenville, S.C. More info: nual event to bring together people who care children 5 and under are free. Contact: Kathy For more information or to volunteer, email: eventbrite.com/event/4319547884. about improving the quality of life for everyone, Lee at [email protected] or 828-264-3061. [email protected]. building a green-collar economy, creating APIEL Conference Wolf Howl Appalachian Community racist-free communities, protecting the environ- Oct. 26-28: The Appalachian Public Interest Nov. 8, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.: The Western North Economic Series ment, preserving rich heritage and defending Environmental Law Conference consists of Carolina Nature Center is hosting an evening Nov. 17, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.: A day of workshops rights as local residents and citizens. Come workshops and dialogues to bring together to learn all about wolves. The event will consist on forestry grants, sustainable forestry, busi- to Cumberland Mountain State Park, Shelter the grassroots, law and policy aspects of our of a lecture and an outdoor experience with ness basics, opportunity in the coal regions, #2, in Crossville, Tenn. Contact: Kathy Nix at most important ecological issues, and provide snacks provided. Asheville, N.C. Contact and making medicine from local mountain [email protected]. networking for lawyers, students, activists and Western NC Nature Center: 828-259-8080. plants. Located at Southern Appalachian scientists. University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Appalachian Community Mountain Stewards Office and the Appalachia 18th Annual Artisan’s Studio Tour For more info call: (865) 974-8601. Economic Series Senior Center in Appalachia, Va. Call 276-565- Nov. 10-11, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Over 30 artisans Nov. 3, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.: ACES is a series of 6167 visit: samsva.org/aces. An Artfully Wild in 20 studios will be opening their doors during workshops to share information about sus- Wilderness Exploration this weekend-long event to demonstrate their Holiday Craft Show tainable economic opportunities and cultivate Oct. 27: Hike along the banks of the Hiwassee work. See pottery, jewelry, textiles, furniture, Dec. 1, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.: A holiday flea market ongoing discussions about economic issues River on the John Muir Trail and talk about art and other finished craft pieces, and get a de- and local artisans’ craft show sponsored by the facing Wise County and southwest Virginia. and the environment. After the exploration, hik- tailed look at the lives of these local artisans. Appalachian Community Economic Series. Ap- Workshops include food preservation, small- ers will return to the Hunter Museum of Ameri- Charlottesville, Albemarle, and surrounding palachia High School Gym in Appalachia, VA. scale solar projects, and sustainable develop- can Art and discuss art and conservation with counties in Va. Visit: artisanstudiotour.com. Call 276-565-6167 or visit: samsva.org/aces. museum Curator Adera Causey. $9.95. Hunter ment in southwest Virginia. Located at South- Page 28 | The Appalachian Voice | October/November 2012